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Measuring leg thrust forces in the common starling

Bonser, Rayner

    The Journal of Experimental Biology
    |January 1, 1996
    PubMed
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    Researchers developed a force-transducing perch to measure bird takeoff and landing forces. Bird landing forces are lower than takeoff forces and correlate with body mass, but angles vary, potentially aiding predator evasion.

    Area of Science:

    • Biomechanics
    • Avian biology
    • Animal locomotion

    Background:

    • Understanding the biomechanics of avian takeoff and landing is crucial for studying flight.
    • Previous research has focused on wing kinematics, but less on the ground reaction forces involved.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To design and utilize a force-transducing perch to quantify the ground reaction forces during takeoff and landing in small birds.
    • To investigate the relationship between these forces, body mass, and force angles.
    • To explore the potential ecological implications of variations in takeoff and landing strategies.

    Main Methods:

    • Development of a novel force-transducing perch capable of measuring multi-axial reaction forces.
    • Recording takeoff and landing events of common starlings (Sturnus vulgaris).

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  • Analysis of force magnitude, direction, and correlation with individual body mass.

    • Main Results:

    • Landing forces were significantly lower than takeoff forces in common starlings.
    • Both takeoff and landing forces showed a significant positive correlation with body mass.
    • The angles of the reaction forces were not significantly dependent on body mass and lacked repeatability within individuals.

    Conclusions:

    • The observed differences in force exertion suggest distinct strategies for landing and takeoff, with wing-assisted deceleration during landing.
    • Body mass is a key determinant of takeoff and landing forces, but not force direction.
    • The variability in force angles may reflect diverse locomotor strategies that could serve as an anti-predator mechanism.