Comparative hindlimb myology within the family Falconidae

Mosto, María Clelia

doi:10.1007/s00435-017-0343-1

Cited by 12 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…Integrating this information with previous studies, a different set of morphological features related with the locomotor apparatus can be recognised among the Falconidae members. Caracaras, which are opportunistic and terrestrial, are known by their long legs and great muscle mass useful for hind limb extension, which is necessary for an efficient walk on the ground (Mosto, ; Mosto et al, ). Compared with falcons, caracaras have a smaller proportion of wing musculature (Picasso & Mosto, ) and relatively low values of tail muscle mass (this study).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Compared with falcons, caracaras have a smaller proportion of wing musculature (Picasso & Mosto, ) and relatively low values of tail muscle mass (this study). In contrast, falcons are powerful flyers with short legs and a relative higher mass in several grip‐flexor muscles (Mosto, ; Mosto et al, ). Compared with caracaras, falcons have a great muscle proportion in their wings (Picasso & Mosto, ) and tail (this study).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Finally, Micrastur ruficollis is an agile flyer in dense forests (Canevari et al, ), with high values of tail muscle mass similar to those of Falco species. It has long hindlimbs (similar to those of the Polyborinae) with values of muscle mass higher than those of the Polyborinae and Falconinae, which could be related to its hunting behaviour (Mosto, ; Mosto et al, ). The results of the present study may hopefully contribute to a better understanding of the tail myology in birds and its association with the different types of flight behaviour.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Previous studies have demonstrated that the Falconidae—at least falcons and caracaras—show morphological features in their locomotor system that are related with the locomotor behaviour. Terrestrial caracaras have elongated hindlimbs with predominance of extensor musculature (Mosto et al, ; Mosto, Picasso, & Biondi, ), whereas falcons are powerful fast‐flying birds, whose wings show greater muscle mass than those of caracaras (Picasso & Mosto, ) and whose legs have a powerful flexor muscle in their digits (Mosto, ). Thus, it is possible to wonder whether the muscle features of the tail of the Falconidae can be linked to their flight behaviour.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Tail myology and flight behaviour: Differences between caracaras, falcons and forest falcons (Aves, Falconiformes)

et al. 2019

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Caracaras, falcons and forest falcons, which are representative of the three subfamilies of the family Falconidae, have different flight behaviour. Since, during flight, the tail works in coordination with the wings, the tail muscles could be indicative of the type of flight behaviour. The aim of this work was to describe in detail the littleknown tail muscles of the Falconidae and to explore their possible association with this different behaviour, by using the muscle mass as an indicator. To this end, the tail muscles of 18 specimens representing the three subfamilies of Falconidae were dissected, weighed and their percentage to the body mass calculated. The possible differences in tail muscle mass between Falconinae and Polyborinae were explored with a Bayesian statistical approach. In all species, the muscles depressor caudae and levator caudae had the highest mass values (0.028%-0.329% and 0.120%-0.274%, respectively), in accordance with the key movements performed during flight, that is, the tail depression and elevation. The total muscle masses of Falconinae and those of Polyborinae were significantly different (p < 0.05). This difference can be related with the different flight behaviour of falcons and caracaras, that is, fast and erratic flight, respectively. K E Y W O R D S diurnal raptors, locomotion | 293 MOSTO eT al.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Tail myology and flight behaviour: Differences between caracaras, falcons and forest falcons (Aves, Falconiformes)

et al. 2019

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“…Descriptive and qualitative features of muscles, in addition to muscle mass data, contribute to identifying those trends in the limb anatomy of birds that can be associated with locomotive specializations (Clifton, Carr, & Biewener, ; Mosto, , ; Mosto, Carril, & Picasso, ; Picasso, ; Picasso & Mosto, ). To achieve this, we performed a detailed description of the wing and tail myology of Tyto furcata , and present data on the muscle mass and explore its implications in the flight behavior.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Wing and tail myology of Tyto furcata (Aves, Tytonidae)

Coco

Motta

Mosto

et al. 2020

Journal of Morphology

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Barn Owls (Tytonidae) are nocturnal raptors with the largest geographical distribution among Strigiformes. Several osteological, morphometrical, and biomechanical studies of this species were performed by previous authors. Nevertheless, the myology of forelimb and tail of the Barn Owls is virtually unknown. This study is the first detailed myological study performed on the wing and tail of the American Barn Owl (Tyto furcata). A total of 11 specimens were dissected and their morphology and muscle masses were described. Although T. furcata has the wing and tail myological pattern present in other species of Strigiformes, some peculiarities were observed including a difference in the attachment of m. pectoralis propatagialis due to the lack of the os prominence, and the presence of an osseous arch in the radius that seems to widen the anchorage area of the mm. pronator profundus, extensor longus alulae, and extensor longus digiti majoris. Furthermore, the m. biceps brachii has an unusual extra belly that flexes the forearm. The interosseous muscles have a small size and lacks ossified tendons. This feature may be indicative of a lower specialization in the elevation and flexion of the digiti majoris. Forelimb and tail muscle mass account for 10.66 and 0.24% of the total body mass, respectively. Forelimb muscle mass value is similar to the nocturnal (Strigiformes) and diurnal (Falconidae and Accipitridae) raptors, while the tail value is lower than in the diurnal raptors (Falconidae and Accipitridae). The myological differences with other birds of prey are here interpreted in association with their “parachuting” hunting style. This work complements our knowledge of the axial musculature of the American Barn owls, and provides important information for future studies related to functional morphology and ecomorphology.

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Flight muscles in falcons (Falconiformes, Falconinae): A quantitative approach

Mosto

Picasso

Montes

et al. 2021

The Anatomical Record

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The family Falconidae has contrasting behaviors on its flight within the subfamilies. Falcons are primarily aerial predators requiring accuracy, high speed, and controlled movements during flight. Caracaras are generalists that seek food while walking and their flight is characterized as slow and erratic. We aimed to explore the muscle mass of the primary wing muscles in several species of Falconinae and to identify possible differences related to the role that these muscles perform during flight. We studied 34 wing muscles in 11 specimens of five species of falcons. The percentage of each muscle with respect to body mass was calculated as well as the total wing muscle mass. The search for differences between muscles of falcons and caracaras was analyzed using Bayesian statistical inference. Published data from Polyborinae were used for comparison. Five muscles were significantly different between both subfamilies mm. latissimus dorsi pars caudalis, biceps brachii, extensor carpi radialis, flexor digitorum superficialis, and extensor digitorum communis. The first two muscles were larger in Polyborinae, which could be useful to achieve more strength and stabilization. In falcons the last three muscles listed were larger, which might be associated with their fast and acrobatic flight. Variations in certain muscles generate, in turn, differences in function, which is reflected in their type of flight and its use. These findings reinforce the modular character of the locomotor system of birds whereby the regions involved in locomotion can have morphological peculiarities according to their lifestyle.

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Comparative hindlimb myology within the family Falconidae

Cited by 12 publications

References 27 publications

Tail myology and flight behaviour: Differences between caracaras, falcons and forest falcons (Aves, Falconiformes)

Tail myology and flight behaviour: Differences between caracaras, falcons and forest falcons (Aves, Falconiformes)

Wing and tail myology of Tyto furcata (Aves, Tytonidae)

Flight muscles in falcons (Falconiformes, Falconinae): A quantitative approach

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