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Geometric morphometric methods show no shape differences between female and male kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus) bills and claws

  • Publication Type

    Journal

  • Publication Year

    2017

  • Author(s)

    L.J. Gray; M.A.M. Renner

  • Journal Name

    Notornis

  • Volume, Issue

    64, 3

  • Pagination

    117-123

  • Article Type

    Paper

Keywords

geometric morphometrics; Kakapo; morphology; museum study-skins; Parrot; Strigops habroptilus


Geometric morphometric methods show no shape differences between female and male kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus) bills and claws

Notornis, 64 (3), 117-123

L.J. Gray; M.A.M. Renner (2017)

Article Type: Paper

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Kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus) are the only parrot species known to have a lek-based mating system. In competing for mating opportunities with females, males can fight intensely with one another, sometimes with fatal consequences. Males may have evolved more deeply hooked bills and raptorial claws than females if these confer advantage in conflicts with other males. We studied bill and claw shape in 28 museum specimens using geometric morphometrics and found no sex differences. While no claw shape sex differences were identified, we did find kākāpō lateral claws are significantly more hooked than their medial toe claws which are flatter. Claw shape in other parrot species has not yet been analysed via geometric morphometric methods, it is therefore unknown whether this claw-shape configuration is unique to kākāpō.