Balaenicipitidae
Balaenicipitidae is a family of birds in the order Pelecaniformes, although it was traditionally placed in Ciconiiformes. The shoebill is the sole extant species and its closest relative is the Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta), which belongs to another family.
| Balaenicipitidae | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Pelecaniformes |
| Family: | Balaenicipitidae Bonaparte, 1853 |
It has the following genera:
- Balaeniceps[1]
- †Goliathia (might belong in Balaeniceps)[1]
- †Paludiavis[1]
Common characteristics
A sharp hooked tip to the upper beak[2]
A furrow in the upper beak below the nasal openings[2]
An ossified septum[2]
Vestigial or absent expansor secundariorum muscle[2]
References
- http://fossilworks.org/?a=taxonInfo&taxon_no=39640
- Mayr, Gerakd (April 2003). "The phylogenetic affinities of the Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex)". Journal für Ornithologie. 144 (2): 157–175. doi:10.1007/BF02465644. S2CID 36046887.
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