What is the scope of species included within the highly successful Family Picidae?

Answer

Nearly 200 species found across the globe, excluding extreme polar regions and some oceanic islands

The Family Picidae represents a substantial evolutionary radiation, encompassing a significant number of avian species globally. This family is remarkably successful in terms of species count, comprising nearly 200 distinct species. Their distribution is vast, covering wide swathes of the world, which testifies to the strength of the adaptations necessary for wood excavation that unite them. However, their range is not truly universal; they are specifically noted to be absent from the most extreme polar regions and certain isolated oceanic islands. This wide but slightly restricted distribution confirms their success while hinting at environmental constraints on their dispersal.

What is the scope of species included within the highly successful Family Picidae?

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taxonomyanimalclassificationwoodpecker