Aves 3D

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Sternum (Breast Bone) of the Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus (MCZ 343335)

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Phylogenic Position
Aves - Neognathae - Falconiformes - Falconidae - Falco - Falco rusticolus
Species Description
The Gyrfalcon is a bird of the tundra and mountains, breeding on the Arctic coasts of North America, Europe and Asia; it possesses various morphs, ranging from all white to all black. The Gyrfalcon feeds on birds and mammals, with large birds like ptarmigans making up most of the diet. The largest of the falcon species, it uses its large size to kill with speed blows, knocking prey to the ground. Prey not killed by a broken sternum is finished off with the talons. In falconry, the Gyrfalcon was reserved for kings, given the difficulty in capturing one. It was also thought to be part of the fall of the Liao dynasty (907-1125) in China; high taxes on Gyrfalcons led to riots, which resulted in the overthrow of the emperor.
Specimen Information
Species	Falco rusticolus (Gyrfalcon)
Element	Sternum (Breast Bone)
Specimen Number	MCZ 343335
Sex
Location
Geological Age	Recent
Technical Information
Scanner	Roland Picza
Resolution	100 µm
Number of Data Points	1053830
Number of Data Polygons	2107660
Date Scanned	July 21, 2008
Scan Technician	Michael Krzyzak
Edited By	Megan Cooper
Photographs
View All 2 Images
Download Digital Model	Size
STL File Not Publicly Available	105.4 MB
Other Falco rusticolus (Gyrfalcon) Elements
Specimen	Element
MCZ 343335	Furcula (Wishbone)
MCZ 343335	Right Femur (Right Femur)
MCZ 343335	Left Femur (Left Upper Leg Bone)
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