Flower-piercer

Diglossa is a genus of flowerpiercers in the family Thraupidae. Sometimes classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies have shown it to belong in the Thraupidae. Together with the genus Diglossopis, they form a group 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. Most members of the genus Diglossa are found in highlands of South America (especially the Andes), but two species are found in Central America.

Species list
The members of the genus Diglossopis are have traditionally been included in Diglossa, but at present most place them in a separate genus. Based on mtDNA, the Indigo Flowerpiercer (D. indigotica), which traditionally has been placed in Diglossopis, actually belongs in Diglossa.


 * Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer, Diglossa baritula
 * Slaty Flowerpiercer, Diglossa plumbea
 * Rusty Flowerpiercer, Diglossa sittoides
 * Venezuelan Flowerpiercer, Diglossa venezuelensis
 * Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer, Diglossa gloriosissima
 * White-sided Flowerpiercer, Diglossa albilatera
 * Glossy Flowerpiercer, Diglossa lafresnayii
 * Moustached Flowerpiercer, Diglossa mystacalis
 * Merida Flowerpiercer, Diglossa gloriosa
 * Black Flowerpiercer, Diglossa humeralis
 * Black-throated Flowerpiercer, Diglossa brunneiventris
 * Grey-bellied Flowerpiercer, Diglossa carbonaria
 * Scaled Flowerpiercer, Diglossa duidae
 * Greater Flowerpiercer, Diglossa major