1980/11/01 by Michael R. Conover, D. E. Miller · 5 citations
Environmental Science · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Avian ecology and behavior #Physiological and biochemical adaptations #Bat Biology and Ecology Studies
paper · doi:10.2307/1367580
openalex publication_date 1980/11/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
We examined the function of rictal bristles on Willow Flycatchers by testing whether their removal or the placement of small pieces of transparent tape on them would reduce the ability of captive birds to capture live house flies. Neither operation adversely affected the birds' ability to capture prey, indicating that the rictal bristles do not aid in prey capture. Other experiments with bird specimens placed in a wind tunnel demonstrated that rictal bristles may protect the eyes from food items the bird is trying to capture. Particles released in front of the bird's open mouth and blown back towards its head struck an eye more frequently after the rictal bristles had been removed.