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Journal of Ornithology

, Volume 150, Issue 1, pp 155–165 | Cite as

A higher-level taxonomy for hummingbirds

  • Jimmy A. McGuire
  • Christopher C. Witt
  • J. V. RemsenJr
  • R. Dudley
  • Douglas L. Altshuler
Original Paper
First Online:
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:

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.

Keywords

Phylogenetic taxonomy PhyloCode Phylogeny Trochilidae 
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Notes

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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Copyright information

© Dt. Ornithologen-Gesellschaft e.V. 2008

Authors and Affiliations

  • Jimmy A. McGuire
    • 1
  • Christopher C. Witt
    • 2
  • J. V. RemsenJr
    • 3
  • R. Dudley
    • 1
  • Douglas L. Altshuler
    • 4
  1. 1.Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyUSA
  2. 2.Museum of Southwestern Biology and Department of BiologyUniversity of New MexicoAlbuquerqueUSA
  3. 3.LSU Museum of Natural ScienceLouisiana State UniversityBaton RougeUSA
  4. 4.Department of BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaRiversideUSA

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