Comparative anatomical studies on rib cages of kite (Millvus migrans) and crow (Corvus splendens)

A study was conducted on the rib cage of kite and crow collected by maceration process. The rib cage of kite and crow comprised of seven and six pairs of true ribs, respectively. A single pair of floating rib was found in both the species. The vertebral part of all true ribs, except the last one, in both birds was featured with uncinate process. The floating rib of crow unveiled a rudimentary uncinate process. The vertebral part of ribs of kite, except 6^th rib, revealed the presence of pneumatic foramina. True and floating ribs of crow lacked pneumatic foramen in its vertebral parts. The medialsurfaceofallsternal ribs of kite, except 7^th one, hadawell-developed pneumatic foramen. However, pneumatic foramen was absent in 3^rd and 7^th sternal ribs of crow. The last pair of ribs in both the species was attached to the preceding rib. The remaining pairs of ribs were in articulation with sternum. It may be concluded that the rib cage of kite is highly pneumatised as compared to that of crow. The greater number of pneumatic foramen in kite might be an adaptation feature to cope up with the larger sized organs during flight.