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| Cathartiformes Temporal range:Eocene to present | |
|---|---|
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| California condor | |
Scientific classification (obsolete) | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Clade: | Accipitrimorphae |
| Order: | Cathartiformes Coues, 1884 |
| Subtaxa | |
Cathartiformes/kəˈθɑːrtɪfɔːrmiːz/ is a formerorder of scavenging birds which included theNew World vultures and the now-extinctTeratornithidae.[1] Unlike manyOld World vultures, Cathartiformes lack talons and musculature in their feet suitable for seizing prey. In the past, they were considered to be a sister group to the storks of the orderCiconiiformes based onDNA–DNA hybridization and morphology.[2][3] However, a 2021 analysis ofmitochondrial genes suggested a strongerphylogenetic relationship between Cathartiformes andAccipitriformes,[4] and they are now normally included within the Accipitriformes as the familyCathartidae.[5]
Cathartiformes possess unique adaptations in theirplumulaceous feathers that prevent the accumulation of bacteria and fungal spores, allowing them to feed on carrion without falling sick. These feather adaptations include a lack ofaftershaft, a flattened shape, and a porous structure that allows air to flow through, preventing the retention of moisture and bacteria. Their feathers lack the interlocking hooks found in other birds' feathers, making them more flexible and allowing for a greater degree of movement. This flexibility may aid in their ability to maintain body temperature while soaring at high altitudes and navigating turbulent air currents. Additionally, the presence of feather pulp andmelanin pigment in these feathers may contribute to their durability and resistance to wear and tear.
Additionally, New World vultures have a highly acidic digestive system that allows them to break down and destroy harmful pathogens in their food, such as those fromdecomposing carcasses.
Vultures primarily feed oncarrion. Most New World vultures are obligatescavengers, meaning they feed exclusively on animals that are already deceased. Their diet primarily consists of reptiles, mammals, birds, and fish, although they have been known to consume human remains as well. Their nature asdetrivores plays an important role in theecosystem by facilitating the removal of carcasses.
Young vultures of the order Cathartiformes rely on their parents for food. Adult Cathartiformes do not have feet adapted for carrying food, so they feed their chicks byregurgitating meat and bone fragments.
Vultures possess highly developed eyesight, capable of detecting a carcass measuring approximately 3 feet (0.9 m) in length from a distance of 4 miles (6.4 km), even at altitudes of up to 9,800 feet (1.86 mi). Their hearing is similarly acute, with a range of around 5,000 Hz and a threshold of 20 dB.
The extant species of the Cathartiformes order fall into two primary clades. The first consists of theblack vulture, theturkey vulture, and thelesser andgreater yellow-headed vulture species, while the second consists of theCalifornia condor, theAndean condor, and theking vulture.[6]
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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