Piopio (bird)

North Island Piopio (background), South Island Piopio (foreground)

Turnagra refers to a genus of songbirds, which was endemic on the island of New Zealand. The only two representatives, commonly referred to as Piopios apply since the mid-20th century as extinct.

In German, they were formerly known as New Zealand chokes, but they have just a random passing resemblance to the thrush family. The genus Turnagra formerly stood in the family Turnagridae, based on DNA studies has found, however, that they have more in common with the family of bowerbirds of Australia. Therefore, the International Ornithological Committee has carried out in 2010 a transfer of the genus Turnagra in the Ptilonorhynchidae family. Another study from 2011 showed a close relationship with the Orioles.

The main reasons for their extinction were the destruction of their forest habitats and predation by invasive species such as cats and rats.

System

• North Island Piopio, Turnagra capensis - Extinct circa 1955 Stephens - Iceland - Piopio, Turnagra capensis minor - Extinct ca 1897