Cranial osteology and myology of the jaw apparatus in the Galbulidae (aves, piciformes)

Abstract

The nature of the relationship among six species of Galbulidae was analysed in terms of cranial osteology, ligaments and myology of the jaw apparatus. A detailed description of G. ruficauda followed by a comparison with G. albirostris, G. galbula, G. cyanicollis, Brachygalba lugubris and Jacamerops aurea was made. This study showed a close relationship among the species of Galbula with Brachygalba lugubris; J. aurea, on the other hand, presented many differences mainly in osteological structures. Among the species of Galbula, G. cyanicollis differed from the general pattern of the genus while G. ruficauda and G. galbula showed many common characteristics.