The phylogenetic affinities of Crossley's babbler (Mystacornis crossleyi): adding a new niche to the vanga radiation of Madagascar

Biol Lett. 2008 Dec 23;4(6):677-80. doi: 10.1098/rsbl.2008.0444.

Abstract

Crossley's babbler (Mystacornis crossleyi) is a passerine endemic to Madagascar. Traditionally, it has been classified as a babbler (Timaliidae), although affinities with warblers and vangas have been suggested. We investigated the phylogenetic affinities of Crossley's babbler using sequence data from two nuclear introns (myoglobin intron 2 and beta-fibrinogen intron 5) and one mitochondrial gene (ND2). We present for the first time (to our knowledge) a molecular phylogeny that confidently places this enigmatic species within the vangas (Vangidae). The inclusion of Crossley's babbler within the vangas adds another foraging niche--gleaning small invertebrates from the ground-to this already large adaptive radiation of songbirds.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Fibrinogen / genetics
  • Genes, Mitochondrial
  • Introns
  • Madagascar
  • Myoglobin / genetics
  • Phylogeny*
  • Songbirds / classification
  • Songbirds / genetics*

Substances

  • Myoglobin
  • Fibrinogen