The jaw apparatus of the Neotropical and of the Afrotropical woodpeckers (aves: piciformes)

Abstract

The jaw apparatus of the Neotropical and of the Afrotropical species of the three subfamilies of woodpeckers are described and illustrated. Eighty five percent of the Afrotropical and about 60% of the Neotropical genera are represented. Campephilus rubricollis was used as the pattern on which these anatomical descriptions were based. The present study showed that there are more differences among the species of the three subfamilies than divergences between the Afrotropical and Neotropical groups. The Jynginae are the most divergent among the Picidae, while the Picumninae and the Picinae share many characteristics. The differences of foraging methods and habits adopted by these woodpeckers are not reflected in the structures of the cranial osteology and ligaments, or in the jaw musculature and tongue.