A revised classification of the Icteridae (Aves) based on DNA sequence data
Author
Remsen, J. V.
Author
Powell, Alexis F. L. A.
Author
Schodde, Richard
Author
Barker, F. Keith
Author
Lanyon, Scott M.
text
Zootaxa
2016
4093
2
285
292
journal article
10.11646/zootaxa.4093.2.9
5628c05d-5de8-4d7d-9c6f-93daf663771d
1175-5326
266162
BFA3A69C-BAA2-4000-AB6A-FFF44B52A42F
Subfamily DOLICHONYCHINAE Ridgway, 1902
Bulletin of the
U.S.
National Museum
50, 2, 1–834 (p. 175, as Dolichonyces).
Type
genus:
Dolichonyx
Swainson, 1827
.
Diagnosis.
Only icterids with acuminate tips to rectrices, sinuated outer webs to only two primaries (p7, p8), two complete molts a year, and dramatically different basic and alternate male plumages. Alternate plumage of male unique in family in having (1) color patch from occiput to nape conspicuously paler than rest of the head and underparts, and (2) white rump and scapulars. Bill strongly conical, hallux claw exceptionally long (longer than hallux), and primary 9 as long as primary 8 numbered outwards (see also Xanthocephalinae). By far the most extensively migratory icterid, with breeding and winter ranges in separate hemispheres.