The morphology of the tongue musculature of the rock dove (Patagioenas livia) in relation to feeding habit

Abstract

In the present study, thirty adult specimens of the rock dove were examined for studying the morphology of the tongue musculature. Morpho-functional analyses in relation to food and feeding habit of the bird was studied. Results showed that the lingual muscles of the rock dove are classified into four groups: 1. Gular muscles are represented by Mylohyoideus, Serpihyoideus, Constrictor colli intermandibularis and Constrictor colli cervicalis muscle. The Gular muscles of the rock dove occupy the interman-dibular area and have no attachments on the hyoid skeleton.