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A higher-level taxonomy for hummingbirds

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Abstract

In the context of a recently published phylogenetic estimate for 151 hummingbird species, we provide an expanded informal taxonomy, as well as a formal phylogenetic taxonomy for Trochilidae that follows the precepts of the PhyloCode, but remains consistent with the hierarchical nomenclature of the Linnaean system. We compare the recently published phylogenetic hypothesis with those of prior higher-level and more taxonomically circumscribed phylogenetic studies. We recommend the recognition of nine new clade names under the PhyloCode, eight of which are consistent with tribes and one with a subfamily under the Linnaean system.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by National Science Foundation grants (DEB 0330750 and DEB 0543556) issued to J.A.M. and R.D. The original phylogenetic study would not have been possible without the assistance of the following institutions, curators, and staff who provided samples under their care: the Academy of Natural Sciences (Leo Joseph, Nate Rice), American Museum of Natural History (George Barrowclough, Joel Cracraft, Paul Sweet), Burke Museum of Natural History (Shannon Birks, Scott Edwards), Field Museum of Natural History (John Bates, Shannon Hackett, David Willard), National Museum of Natural History (Mike Braun, Gary Graves, Chris Huddleston), University of Kansas Museum of Natural History (Mark Robbins, Town Peterson), University of Michigan Museum of Zoology (David Mindell, Janet Hinshaw), STRI (Biff Bermingham, Maribel Gonzáles), and the Zoological Museum Copenhagen (Jon Fjeldså, Jan Kristensen, Rudolf Meier). Michael Roy graciously provided uncatalogued samples of Sephanoides fernandensis that otherwise would not have been available. Donna Dittmann and Steve Cardiff of the Louisiana State University Museum of Natural Science provided invaluable assistance confirming identifications of many voucher specimens under their care.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, 3101 Valley Life Sciences Building, Berkeley, 94720-3160, USA

    Jimmy A. McGuire & R. Dudley

  2. Museum of Southwestern Biology and Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131-0001, USA

    Christopher C. Witt

  3. LSU Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University, 119 Foster Hall, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA

    J. V. Remsen Jr

  4. Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA, 92521-0427, USA

    Douglas L. Altshuler

Authors
  1. Jimmy A. McGuire
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  2. Christopher C. Witt
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  3. J. V. Remsen Jr
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  4. R. Dudley
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  5. Douglas L. Altshuler
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jimmy A. McGuire.

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Communicated by J. Fjeldså.

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McGuire, J.A., Witt, C.C., Remsen, J.V. et al. A higher-level taxonomy for hummingbirds. J Ornithol 150, 155–165 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10336-008-0330-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10336-008-0330-x

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