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Apodidae
Swifts
1
Number of resurrected species:
Family
Order
Class
Apodidae
Caprimulgiformes
Aves
Description
The Apodidae is a still extant family of swifts; swallow-like birds with typical sickle-shaped wings and specialized aerial lifestyle. They are insectivorous and hunt small flying insects. Ancestors of this family already looked very similar to their modern-day counterparts.
Distribution & Fossil evidence
Fossils of the Apodidae-family have been found on many locations around the world, but the oldest fossils have mainly been unearthed in Europe. Of some species complete skeletons and feather-prints have been found.
Species
Several prehistoric genera have been appointed to this family, but there's still much discussion about the validity of the family and its place in the phylogenetic tree.
Included genera
Apus
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