Flowerpiercer

Flowerpiercer
Diglossa lafresnayii
Diglossopis cyanea piercing flower
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Thraupidae
Genus: Diglossa and Diglossopis

The flowerpiercers are the members of two genera of tanagers, Diglossa and Diglossopis. The latter genus is sometimes subsumed into the former, but at present most authorities maintain them as separate. Based on mtDNA, the indigo flowerpiercer, which traditionally has been placed in Diglossopis, actually belongs in Diglossa. The common name refers to 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 bills, although this is greatly reduced in the bluish flowerpiercer, which has an almost "normal" bill. Most flowerpiercers are restricted to highlands, especially the Andes, in South America, but two species occur in Central America.

Species

References