Diversity of cranial shape in European Woodpecker species (Picidae)

Abstract The woodpecker family (Picidae) includes numerous species that vary in size and plumage colouration, but which share many easily recognisable external features. These birds possess pronounced anatomical adaptions enable them to exploit arboreal habitats live niches are inaccessible most other birds. aim of this study was increase our knowledge on the relationships between skull shape, habitat preference, pecking abilities foraging habits 10 European species. A geometric morphometric approach used analyse two-dimensional cranial landmarks. We principal component (PC) analyses those measurements may be related preference habits. PCs resulted descriptions relative length width bill, variation its size, orientation nostrils elongation neurocranium, position palatine bone, rostrum , thickness mandible bone. analysis showed confirmed presence some elements strongly associated with behaviour excavation abilities.