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Scopus (bird)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Scopus
S. u. umbretta, Kenya
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Scopidae
Bonaparte, 1849
Genus: Scopus
Brisson, 1760
Species

Scopus is a genus of wading birds containing the hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) and its extinct Pliocene relative, Scopus xenopus. This genus is the sole representative of the family Scopidae.

Taxonomy

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Hamerkops were traditionally included in the Ciconiiformes, but are now thought to be closer to the Pelecaniformes.[1] Recent studies have found that its closest relatives are the pelicans and shoebill.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Van Tuinen, Marcel; Butvill, Dave Brian; Kirsch, John A. W.; Hedges, S. Blair (2001). "Convergence and divergence in the evolution of aquatic birds" (PDF). Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. 26 (8): 1345–1350. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-05-29.
  2. ^ Ericson, P. G. P.; Anderson, C. L.; Britton, T.; Elzanowski, A.; Johansson, U. S.; Källersjö, M.; Ohlson, J. I.; Parsons, T. J.; Zuccon, D.; Mayr, G. (2006). "Diversification of Neoaves: integration of molecular sequence data and fossils". Biology Letters. 2 (4): 543–547. doi:10.1098/rsbl.2006.0523. PMC 1834003. PMID 17148284.