Flowerpiercer

Diglossa
Glossy flowerpiercer (D. lafresnayii)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Thraupidae
Genus: Diglossa
Wagler, 1832
Type species
Diglossa baritula
Wagler, 1832
Species

See text

Diglossa is a genus in the family Thraupidae. They are commonly known as flowerpiercers because of 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 bill, which is typically upswept, with a hook at the tip. Most members of the genus Diglossa are found in highlands of South America (especially the Andes), but two species are found in Central America.

Rusty flowerpiercer, female, piercing the base of an Abutilon flower to access the nectar inside.