Vol. 12, Special Issue 12 (2023)

Author(s):
C Lavanya and Sabiha H Basha

Abstract:
Glossy ibis is one of the three species of ibises found in India. They are highly migratory water birds with long neck, long curved bills, lengthy wing span and long legs, which attribute their flying ability and feeding behaviour. The bones of the forelimb especially the pectoral girdle represents the evolutionary development and adaptation. An adult glossy ibis carcass which was found on the road side and recovered for this study. The bones of the ibis were collected by natural maceration and further processed using 3 percent sodium hydroxide. The bones of the pectoral girdle were relatively longer for adaptation to flight and large wing span. Clavicle was distinctly ‘U’ shaped and hypocleidium was absent. Humerus was shorter than the forearm bones. Shaft of ulna showed scaly projections for the attachment of wing feathers. Radial carpal was quadrilateral and ulnar carpal was U shaped with one long limb. Carpometacarpus was composed of three fused metacarpals. There were three number of digits comprised of two phalanges in II digit and one phalanx in I and III digit. The autopodium was longer than the humerus while shorter than the radius and ulna.