| Kinglet Calyptura | |
|---|---|
| Kinglet Calyptura illustrated by William John Swainson | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Incertae sedis |
| Genus: | Calyptura Swainson, 1832 |
| Species: | C. cristata |
| Binomial name | |
| Calyptura cristata (Vieillot, 1818) |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Pardalotus cristatus Viellot, 1818 |
|
The Kinglet Calyptura (Calyptura cristata) is a small passerine bird. It is the only member of the genus Calyptura. It has traditionally been considered a member of the family Cotingidae, but following the move of several species from this family to Tityridae - including the purpletufts which traditionally are considered allied to the Kinglet Calyptura - the family placement is unclear. It is therefore considered incertae sedis by SACC.[1]
It is endemic to Atlantic forest in south-eastern Brazil. For a long time this species was feared to be extinct, as it went unrecorded during the 20th century until two birds were observed in Serra dos Órgãos on several days in October 1996. Since these sighting, there have not been any confirmed records, although at least one recent - but unconfirmed - record exists from near Ubatuba. Consequently, it is considered critically endangered by BirdLife International.