Estimated and in vivo measurements of bite force demonstrate exceptionally large bite forces in parrots (Psittaciformes).

Abstract

Jaw morphology and function determine the range of dietary items that an organism can consume. Bite force is a function of the force exerted by the jaw musculature and applied via the skeleton. Bite force has been studied in a wide range of taxa using various methods, including direct measurement, or calculation from skulls or jaw musculature. Data for parrots (Psittaciformes), considered to have strong bites, are rare. This study calculated bite force for a range of parrot species of differing sizes using a novel method that relied on forces calculated using the area of jaw muscles measured in situ and their masses. The values for bite force were also recorded in vivo using force transducers, allowing for a validation of the dissection-based models. The analysis investigated allometric relationships between measures of body size and calculated bite force. Additionally, the study examined whether a measure of a muscle scar could be a useful proxy to estimate bite force in parrots. Bite force was positively allometric relative to body and skull mass, with macaws having the strongest bite recorded to date for a bird. Calculated values for bite force were not statistically different from measured values. Muscle scars from the adductor muscle attachment on the mandible can be used to accurately predict bite force in parrots. These results have implications for how parrots process hard food items and how bite forces are estimated in other taxa using morphological characteristics of the jaw musculature.