Diglossa (bird)

Diglossa (bird)
Diglossa
Glossy Flowerpiercer (D. lafresnayii)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Thraupidae
Genus: Diglossa
Wagler, 1832
Species

About 14, see text

Diglossa is a genus of flowerpiercers in the family Thraupidae. Sometimes classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies[citation needed] have shown it to belong in the Thraupidae. Together with the genus Diglossopis, they form a group known as flowerpiercers because of their habit of piercing the base of flowers to access nectar that otherwise would be out of reach. This is done with their highly modified bill. Most members of the genus Diglossa are found in highlands of South America (especially the Andes), but two species are found in Central America.

Species list

The members of the genus Diglossopis are have traditionally been included in Diglossa, but at present most place them in a separate genus. Based on mtDNA, the Indigo Flowerpiercer (D. indigotica), which traditionally has been placed in Diglossopis, actually belongs in Diglossa.

References

  • Mauck, & Burns (2009). Phylogeny, biogeography, and recurrent evolution of divergent bill types in the nectar-stealing flowerpiercers (Thraupini: Diglossa and Diglossopis). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 98 (1): 14-28.
  • Ridgely, R. S., & Tudor, G. (1989). Birds of South America. Vol. 1. Oxford University Press, Oxford. ISBN 0-19-857217-4