Introduction to the skeleton of hummingbirds (Aves: Apodiformes, Trochilidae) in functional and phylogenetic contexts
By: by Richard L. Zusi
Contributors: American Ornithologists' Union
Series: Ornithological monographs -- no. 77; Ornithological monographs -- no. 77.
Publisher: American Ornithologists' Union
Published: 2013
Place of publication: Washington, D.C
Language: eng
Number of pages: 94
ISBN-13: 9780943610962
Subjects: Hummingbirds; Anatomy; Kolibris; Anatomie; Colibris
Other titles: Auk.
Description: Historically, comparative study of the skeleton of hummingbirds has focused on systematics, emphasizing differences between hummingbirds and other birds and only rarely addressing differences within Trochilidae. This monograph covers both approaches, and comparisons within Trochilidae are framed within recently published, plausible phylogenetic hypotheses. The data are derived mainly from museum collections of anatomical specimens, covering 256 species of 102 genera of hummingbirds, and 11 genera of other Apodiformes. Although the syringeal skeleton is included, emphasis is on the axial and appendicular skeletons. --
Notes: Includes indexes.

"Supplement to The Auk"--Cover.

"Issued 15 October 2013"--Prelim.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 75-81).

Abstract also in Spanish.
Table of contents: title: Introduction; title: Methods and materials; title: Section 1. The uniqueness of hummingbirds. Syrinx; title: The feeding mechanism; title: Prepalatal upper jaw; title: Craniofacial hinge; title: Palatum; title: Mandibula; title: Jaw articuation; title: Hyobranchial apparatus; title: Cranium; title: The flight mechanism; title: Sternum; title: Coracoideum, clavicula, and scapula; title: Shoulder joint; title: Humerus; title: Radius and ulna; title: Carpales and carpometacarpus; title: Digits; title: Sesamoids of the tail; title: Vertebral column; title: Pelvis (pelvic arch and synsacrum); title: Tarsometatarsus; title: Discussion; title: Section 2: The diversity of hummingbirds. Size; title: Syrinx; title: Bill; title: Prepalatal upper jaw; title: Palatum; title: Mandibula; title: Cranium; title: Hyobranchial apparatus; title: Vertebrae; title: Costae; title: Sternum; title: Humerus; title: Tarsometatarsus; title: Phalanges; title: Intraspecific variation; title: Discussion.