The lower incisors are partially inclined forwards, compressed and tapering, bevelled at the ends.
The wings consequently must be made to strike forwards and kept in advance of the body of the bird if they are to prevent the bird from falling downwards and forwards.
They slope obliquely forwards, and end in curved, compressed, hamular processes.
Only in the ostrich the distal ends of the pubes meet, forming a daggershaped symphysis, which is curved forwards.
It is held, however, that these are a pair of parapodia which have shifted forwards.
