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Periosteal bone histology expresses its rate of deposition. This fundamental relationship between bone structure and growth dynamics, first assumed by Amprino many decades ago, was quantified in preliminary studies, but never statistically tested. Moreover, the precise typological characters of bone tissue linked to growth rate remained poorly known. Here, we present the first statistical analysis of ‘Amprino’s rule’, measured on comprehensive growth series of the mallard, Anas platyrhynchos. Growth rates were assessed by fluorescent labelling. Bone typology was described according to Ricqlès’ typological classification. Results show that the presence and proportion of primary osteons, two consequences of bone initial porosity at the time of its deposit, are strongly related to bone growth rate. However, no significant relationship between primary osteons orientation and bone growth rate could be detected, at …