Wishbone

The wishbone, scientifically known as the furcula, is the fused pair of clavicles in birds, forming a single V-shaped bone located at the front of the chest between the shoulders. It is part of the bird’s pectoral girdle and thoracic skeleton. The furcula functions as a spring, storing elastic energy during wing beats and releasing it to aid flight by increasing the efficiency and stability of the wing stroke. It also helps brace the shoulders during flight. In most birds the furcula is well developed, though it can be reduced or variably sized in some taxa.

Evolutionarily, the furcula is a defining feature of birds and is present in many close dinosaur relatives, indicating an early role in flight mechanics. Its structure and robustness can vary according to species and lifestyle, particularly between highly aerial species and those with different flight demands.

Cultural aspects of the wishbone are distinct from its anatomy. In many Western cultures, a dried wishbone is associated with a post-meal ritual. After a meal, two people grip opposite ends of the bone and pull until it breaks; the person with the larger fragment is said to have good luck or to have a granted wish. The custom has ancient roots and remains popular in various forms, especially in North America and Europe.

In everyday language, the term wishbone also refers to this bone in birds and the symbolic practice surrounding it. The bone may be kept, dried, or used decoratively or ceremonially in some contexts.