Balaenicipitidae
Balaenicipitidae is a family of birds in the order Pelecaniformes, although it was traditionally placed in Ciconiiformes. 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]
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References
- http://fossilworks.org/?a=taxonInfo&taxon_no=39640
- Mayr, Gerakd (April 2003). "The phylogenetic affinities of the Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex)". Journal für Ornithologie. 2 (2): 157–175. doi:10.1007/BF02465644.
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