Scopus (bird)

Scopus
	S. u. umbretta, Kenya
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Pelecaniformes
Family:	Scopidae; Bonaparte, 1849
Genus:	Scopus; Brisson, 1760
Species
	Scopus umbretta; †Scopus xenopus;

Scopus is a genus of wading birds containing the hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) and its extinct Pliocene relative, Scopus xenopus. This genus is the sole representative of the family Scopidae.

Taxonomy

Hamerkops were traditionally included in the Ciconiiformes, but are now thought to be closer to the Pelecaniformes.^[1] Recent studies have found that its closest relatives are the pelicans and shoebill.^[2]

References

^ Van Tuinen, Marcel; Butvill, Dave Brian; Kirsch, John A. W.; Hedges, S. Blair (2001). "Convergence and divergence in the evolution of aquatic birds" (PDF). Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. 26 (8): 1345–1350. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-05-29.
^ Ericson, P. G. P.; Anderson, C. L.; Britton, T.; Elzanowski, A.; Johansson, U. S.; Källersjö, M.; Ohlson, J. I.; Parsons, T. J.; Zuccon, D.; Mayr, G. (2006). "Diversification of Neoaves: integration of molecular sequence data and fossils". Biology Letters. 2 (4): 543–547. doi:10.1098/rsbl.2006.0523. PMC 1834003. PMID 17148284.

[1] Van Tuinen, Marcel; Butvill, Dave Brian; Kirsch, John A. W.; Hedges, S. Blair (2001). "Convergence and divergence in the evolution of aquatic birds" (PDF). Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. 26 (8): 1345–1350. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-05-29.

[2] Ericson, P. G. P.; Anderson, C. L.; Britton, T.; Elzanowski, A.; Johansson, U. S.; Källersjö, M.; Ohlson, J. I.; Parsons, T. J.; Zuccon, D.; Mayr, G. (2006). "Diversification of Neoaves: integration of molecular sequence data and fossils". Biology Letters. 2 (4): 543–547. doi:10.1098/rsbl.2006.0523. PMC 1834003. PMID 17148284.

[1]

[2]