Affinities of Carpospiza brachydactyla (Passeriformes; Passeridae)

Abstract

The Passeridae are characterized by possessing a neomorphic preglossale bone in the tongue and a uniquely enlarged M. hypoglossus anterior forming part of the "seed-cup" used to orient and hold seeds in position when they are being husked. The pale rock finch (Carpospiza brachydactyla), which had been suggested in recent years to be allied to the Fringillidae rather than to the Passeridae, also possesses these unique derived features of the passerine finches and hence is clearly a member of the latter group. Further, the combination of the neomorphic preglossale bone and the large M. hypoglossus anterior provide strong support for the independent evolution of granivorous feeding in the Passeridae and against the placement of these birds with any members of the Ploceidae. © Dt. Ornithologen-Gesellschaft e.V. 2004.