Force estimates predicted from musculoskeletal morphology in a previous study indicated that falcons ( Falco spp.) possess greater jaw force capabilities than accipiters ( Accipiter spp.) but there were no clear differences in predicted grip-force capacity outside of differences in scaling. Consequently, falcons are expected to achieve relatively greater bite forces, and hawks are expected to generate relatively greater grip forces. Whereas hawks rely primarily on their feet for killing prey, falcons tend to employ their beaks. Thus, bite and grip forces are ecologically important variables that have direct survival implications. Raptors exhibit a diversity of strategies to procure their prey but ultimately kill using their beaks and/or talons.
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