Sunday Inspiration – Thraupidae – Flowerpiercers, Sierra Finches, Plus

Glossy Flowerpiercer (Diglossa lafresnayii) ©WikiC

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. (Isaiah 40:8 KJV)

Starting off this weeks avian wonders from the Thraupidae Family, these perfectly created “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 [created by their creator], 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.” (Wikipedia)

Red Pileated Finch (Coryphospingus cucullatus) ©WikiC

There are eight species in between the Flowerpiercers and the Sierra Finches. These are in six different genera. All of these are songbirds that live in South America. They are considered incertae sedis which means in Latin that they are of uncertain placement. So they just sort of placed them together until they figure out were to place them.

Peruvian Sierra Finch (Phrygilus punensis) ©WikiC

Phrygilus is a genus of mainly Andean seed-eating tanagers commonly known as sierra finches. Phrygilos means finch in Ancient Greek. Sometimes classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies have shown them to belong in the Thraupidae. The genus appears to be polyphyletic consisting of at least three distinct lineages which in future may need to be split into separate genera.

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“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV)