Kingfisher-like
The division of living beings into systematics is a continuous subject of research. Different systematic classifications exist side by side and one after the other. The taxon treated here has become obsolete due to new research or is not part of the group systematics presented in the German-language Wikipedia.
The kingfisher-like (Alcediniformes Feduccia , 1977 ) are a controversial order of birds . The families contained in it are incorporated in almost all current systematics in the order of the rackets (Coraciiformes).
description
The Alcediniformes include extremely colorful birds. They differ from the whackebirds by their long, spear-shaped beak ( whacks have short, rounded beaks), their large head and their much shorter neck. The upper jaw can be hook-shaped but also straight, the lower jaw is straight (in the case of the kingfishers even slightly curved upwards). They have a very compact body shape and small weak feet. They feed exclusively on carnivore.
The Alcediniformes are grouped together with the Coraciiformes and the Upupiformes . The relationships between the families are still unclear within the order; it is currently assumed that the bee-eaters form the most primitive family and the Todis are the sister taxons of the sawacks . The order probably originated in the Old World.
The following families belonged to the Alcediniformes:
- Bee-eater (Meropidae), native to Africa, South Asia and South Europe
- Kingfishers (Alcedinidae), from all over the Old World and North America
- Sawracks (Momotidae), from northern South America and Central America
- Todis (Todidae), from the Lesser and Greater Antilles
literature
- David Burnie: Animals the Great Picture Encyclopedia. Dorling Kindersley Limited, London 2001 (German-language edition by Dorling Kindersley Verlag GmbH, Munich 2001).