Babbler Families and Genera
An initial set of DNA phylogenies outline the general structure of the babbler radiation, especially Gelang et al (2009). We start by recognizing five major clades as families to which we assign the genera adopted in previous versions of the IOC World Bird List. Added to these are some required new genera. Some of the assignments are tentative and may change with the results of studies underway. Yet, a first cut seems preferable to retaining the classical taxonomy that severely mispresents relationships at many levels. John Boyd's summaries and sequences were helpful in this exercise. We refrain, however, from full generic revisions, including many of Collar and Robson's (2007) in HBW 12 to await the results of other studies, currently unpublished, which we understand will offer alternative hypotheses for discussion. We also await improved resolution of both the nomenclature and of the phylogeny.
BABBLER FAMILIES - Under Review October 21, 2010 |
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| Timaliidae | Pellorneidae | Leiothrichidae | Sylviidae | Zosteropidae |
| Babblers, Scimitar Babblers | Fulvettas, Ground Babblers |
Laughingthrushes | Sylviid Babblers | White-eyes |
Pomatorhinus (incl. Xiphirhynchus) |
Alcippe (incl. Schoeniparus, Pseudominla) |
Phyllanthus |
Myzornis |
Yuhina |