Supraorbital shield

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Clearly recognizable supraorbital shield in a sparrowhawk
The supraorbital shield (protruding into the front of the picture) on this bird of prey skull can be clearly seen above the eye socket

The supraorbital shield (also supraorbital , margo supraorbitalis ) is a bone shield over the eye socket on the skull of birds of prey. It is formed by the frontal bone ( Os frontale ) and protects the eye from injuries.

Within different systematic groups ( taxa ) of the birds of prey it is differently developed and therefore a morphological distinguishing feature. It can also for the determination of young birds in nestling age are used when only dunes are covered with feathers.

Birds of prey with a poorly developed supraorbital shield are, for example, ospreys and honey buzzards , while strongly developed supraorbital shields have goshawks and sea ​​eagles , for example .

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Individual evidence

  1. ^ Theodor Mebs and Daniel Schmidt: The birds of prey in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East . Franckh-Kosmos, Stuttgart 2006, ISBN 3-440-09585-1 , pp. 13 .

literature

  • Gerhard Hummel: Anatomy and Physiology of Birds: Compendium for Study and Practice . Ulmer, Stuttgart 2000, ISBN 3-8252-2144-X .