Tachymarptis
| Tachymarptis | ||||||||||
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Alpine swift ( T. melba ) |
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| Systematics | ||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||
| Tachymarptis | ||||||||||
| Roberts , 1922 |
Tachymarptis is a genus of birds inthe sailor family (Apodidae). Thegenus comprisingtwo species has been separated from the genus Apus and is not recognized by all authors. The most important argument for the special position of this genus is the embryonic pamprodactyle toe position in which all four toes are pointing forward.
description
Both species of this genus, which only occurs in the Old World , are very large sailors with a high proportion of white plumage, especially on the underside. The tail is comparatively short and forked clearly. Compared to the genus Apus, the wings are rather wider and the wing tips less pointed.
Systematics
In addition to the pamprodactyl toe position already in the embryonic phase, in contrast to the genus Apus , the larger shape and the occurrence of other types of parasitic lice ( Mallophaga ) are cited as reasons for the independence of this genus.
The following species are included in the genus:
- Alpine swift ( Tachymarptis melba )
- Pangolin ( Tachymarptis aequatorialis )
literature
- Phil Chantler, Gerald Driessens: A Guide to the Swifts and Tree Swifts of the World ; Pica press; Mountfield 2000; ISBN 1-873403-83-6
- UN Glutz von Blotzheim, KM Bauer : Handbook of the birds of Central Europe (HBV); Volume 9: Columbiformes - Piciformes. AULA-Verlag 1994, ISBN 3-89104-562-X .
Web links
- Tachymarptis on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.