Samoan starling - skull & brain endocast

3D Model

Semitransparent skull of a Samoan starling (Aplonis atrifusca, Sturnidae, USNM 498061), revealing the brain endocast and inner ear within.

This work is published in the following article: Smith, N. A., K. L. Koeller, J. A. Clarke, D. T. Ksepka, J. S. Mitchell, A. Nabavizadeh, R. C. Ridgely, and L. M. Witmer. 2021. Convergent evolution in dippers (Aves, Cinclidae): the only wing-propelled diving songbirds. Anatomical Record. https://doi.org/10.1002/ar.24820

MicroCT scan data for this specimen and an STL of the endocast are freely available for download on MorphoSource: https://www.morphosource.org/projects/000377999.