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Sasia

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Sasia
Sasia abnormis by Gould & Richter
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Piciformes
Family: Picidae
Subfamily: Picumninae
Genus: Sasia
Hodgson, 1837
Type species
Sasia ochracea[1]
Hodgson, 1837
Species

3, see text

range of genus

Sasia is a genus of birds in the woodpecker family Picidae, that are native to the Old World. They are very small, virtually tailless woodpeckers, with a crombec or nuthatch-like appearance and foraging habits. Their habitat is forest and secondary growth.[2]

These species have a flesh orbital ring and a rounded (in cross-section) upper mandible. They have ten rectrices and only three toes (absent first digit, or hallux).[3]

The African piculet has sometimes been included in this genus. It has only eight rectrices and four toes in a zygodactyl arrangement (a weak first digit). It differs from the Asian species in the plumage colour of the adult, but not in the plumage pattern, body anatomy or in habits.[4]

Species

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The genus contains two species:[5]

Image Common name Scientific name Distribution
Rufous piculet Sasia abnormis mainly Malaysia and Indonesia
White-browed piculet Sasia ochracea mainland Southeast Asia
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References

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  1. ^ "Picidae". aviansystematics.org. The Trust for Avian Systematics. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  2. ^ Stevenson, Terry; Fanshawe, John (2001). Field guide to the birds of East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi. London: T. & A.D. Poyser. pp. 280–281. ISBN 9780856610790.
  3. ^ Gorman, Gerard (2014). Woodpeckers of the World: The Complete Guide (Helm Photographic Guides). London: Bloomsbury. p. 88. ISBN 978-1408147153.
  4. ^ Delacour, J. (January 1951). "The significance of the number of toes in some woodpeckers and kingfishers" (PDF). The Auk. 68 (1): 49–51. doi:10.2307/4080797. JSTOR 4080797. Retrieved 20 September 2018.
  5. ^ Gill, Frank; Donsker, David; Rasmussen, Pamela, eds. (January 2023). "Woodpeckers". IOC World Bird List Version 13.1. International Ornithologists' Union. Retrieved 29 January 2023.