Gross anatomical features of the sternum of green-winged macaw (Ara Chloroptera)

The present study was conducted on the sternum of an eight year old, male Green-winged Macaw. The sternum was quadrilateral with dorsal concave and ventral convex surfaces and four borders. The dorsal surface presented numerous pneumatic foramina. The ventral surface furnished a large, boat shaped keel. The anterior extremity showed two facets for coracoid. The anterior and posterior borders were convex. The lateral border on either side presented six costal facets. Two distinct oval foramina were seen near the posterior border. Craniolateral processes were short and stump-like. Caudolateral processes fused with the median trabecula on either side. The rostrum was distinct. The morphological features of the sternum of Green-winged Macaw conformed to that of flying group of birds. It was almost similar to that of goose in its anterior half and to that of pigeon in its posterior half.