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  • Title: Terrestrial locomotion in the black-billed magpie: kinematic analysis of walking, running and out-of-phase hopping.
    Author: Verstappen M, Aerts P, Van Damme R.
    Journal: J Exp Biol; 2000 Jul; 203(Pt 14):2159-70. PubMed ID: 10862728.
    Abstract:
    The inter-limb kinematic patterns of walking, running and out-of-phase hopping in black-billed magpies (Pica pica) were studied using high-speed video recordings. The flexion/extension patterns of the joints were similar between the gait types, suggesting that the within-leg control of the angular excursions is similar. This result is further supported by the fact that running and hopping are alternative gaits at speeds higher than walking; however, magpies show a preference for hopping. Moreover, only small differences occur between the kinematic patterns of the two limbs during out-of-phase hopping, during which the legs are believed to have different functions. The hindlimb kinematic patterns of magpies are like those of other flying and more terrestrial bird species; however, striking differences are found in comparison with humans at the level of the internal angles. This is probably due to the differences in the morphology and configuration of their legs.
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