Predatory functional morphology in raptors: interdigital variation in talon size is related to prey restraint and immobilisation technique.

ABSTRACT: Despite the ubiquity of raptors in terrestrial ecosystems, many aspects of their predatory behaviour remain poorly understood. Surprisingly little is known about the morphology of raptor talons and how they are employed during feeding behaviour. Talon size variation among digits can be used to distinguish families of raptors and is related to different techniques of prey restraint and immobilisation. The hypertrophied talons on digits (D) I and II in Accipitridae have evolved primarily to restrain large struggling prey while they are immobilised by dismemberment. Falconidae have only modest talons on each digit and only slightly enlarged D-I and II. For immobilisation, Falconini rely more strongly on strike impact and breaking the necks of their prey, having evolved a 'tooth' on the beak t

SUBMITTER: Fowler DW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2776979 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature