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Plocepasser
The sparrow-weavers (''Plocepasser'') are a genus of birds in the family (biology), family Ploceidae (weavers), but some taxonomic authorities place them in the family Passeridae (Old World sparrows). Taxonomy and systematics The genus ''Plocepasser'' contains the following species: Phylogeny Based on recent DNA-analysis (which only included ''P. mahali''), the genus ''Plocepasser'' belongs to the group of sparrow weavers (subfamily Plocepasserinae), and is most related to the clade that consists of ''Philetairus socius'' and the genus ''Pseudonigrita''. This clade is sister group, sister to the most basic genus of the subfamily, ''Sporopipes''. Provided that genera are correct clades, the following tree expresses current insights. References External links * * Ploceidae Taxonomy articles created by Polbot {{Ploceidae-stub ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
White-browed Sparrow-weaver
The white-browed sparrow-weaver (''Plocepasser mahali'') is a predominantly brown, Old World sparrow, sparrow-sized bird found throughout central and north-central southern Africa. It is found in groups of two to eleven individuals consisting of one breeding pair and other non-reproductive individuals. Taxonomy and systematics During his expedition to the interior of southern Africa in 1834–35, Andrew Smith (zoologist), Andrew Smith collected specimens of the white-browed sparrow weaver at the Modder River, which he described in 1836, giving it the Binomial nomenclature, scientific name ''Plocepasser mahali''. Etymology Smith did not provide an explanation for the species epithet ''mahali'', but is clear it is not a Latin name. Probably it is derived from the vernacular name for the bird in Tswana language, Setswana ''mogale'' or from the Sotho language, Sesotho word ''mohale'', a brave or fierce person, which suggests the bird's name may refer to its angry scolding. Vern ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
