Diglossa (bird)

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Diglossa
File:Diglossa lafresnayii.jpg
Glossy flowerpiercer (D. lafresnayii)
Scientific classification
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Diglossa

Wagler, 1832
Species

About 14, see text

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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.

File:Diglossa sittoides female.JPG
Diglossa sittoides or Rusty flowerpiercer, female, piercing the base of a flower to access the nectar inside.

Species list

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

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