We describe the design of a force-transducing perch which measures the reaction forces of small birds taking off and landing. In common starlings, landing forces are lower than take-off forces, because the bird may decelerate prior to landing by using its wings. Both landing and take-off forces are significantly correlated with body mass; however, the angles of these reaction forces show no significant mass-dependence and are not repeatable within individuals. Diversity in take-off or landing strategy could be advantageous in confusing predators.

Keywords:
force perch, leg, thrust, take-off, landing, scaling, repeatability, predation, birds, common starling
© The Company of Biologists Limited
1996
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