1 Sexual Selection in the American Goldfinch

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

1 Sexual Selection in the American Goldfinch Sexual Selection in the American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis): Context-Dependent Variation in Female Preference Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Donella S. Bolen, M.S. Graduate Program in Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology The Ohio State University 2019 Dissertation Committee: Ian M. Hamilton, Advisor J. Andrew Roberts, Advisor Jacqueline Augustine 1 Copyrighted by Donella S. Bolen 2019 2 Abstract Females can vary in their mate choice decisions and this variability can play a key role in evolution by sexual selection. Variability in female preferences can affect the intensity and direction of selection on male sexual traits, as well as explain variation in male reproductive success. I looked at how consistency of female preference can vary for a male sexual trait, song length, and then examined context-dependent situations that may contribute to variation in female preferences. In Chapter 2, I assessed repeatability – a measure of among-individual variation – in preference for male song length in female American goldfinches (Spinus tristis). I found no repeatability in preference for song length but did find an overall preference for shorter songs. I suggest that context, including the social environment, may be important in altering the expression of female preferences. In Chapter 3, I assessed how the choices of other females influence female preference. Mate choice copying, in which female preference for a male increases if he has been observed with other females, has been observed in several non-monogamous birds. However, it is unclear whether mate choice copying occurs in socially monogamous species where there are direct benefits from choosing an unmated male. I found evidence for mate choice copying and suggest that copying occurs when choosing extrapair mates. In Chapter 4, I examine how social relationships among females influence copying. A female may be more likely to copy another female if they are ii familiar with one another due to shared environments and experiences. I found that females are more likely to copy familiar rather than unfamiliar females, which has not been shown in this context. The latter two chapters show that social context is a source of variation that can cause a female to alter her preferences. This suggests an important potential role of female-female social relationships on male reproductive success and the evolution of male characteristics. iii Acknowledgments I wish to thank, first and foremost, my advisors, Ian Hamilton and Andy Roberts, without whom this never could have happened. Their patience, guidance, and generosity are something for which I will always be grateful. I also wish to thank my other committee member, Jackie Augustine, for her helpful comments and advice. I thank the animal behavior joint lab group at OSU for their feedback on early versions of this manuscript. Thanks to Sandy Shew, Barb Shardy, Andy Jones, Keith Tarvin, and Doug Nelson and the Borror Laboratory of Bioacoustics for assisting with a variety of technical, equipment, and design issues. Heather Devine, Anne Sabol, Kirsten Cadmen, Craig Miller, Samantha McGlone, Sarah Hamza, Molly Bobich, Brooke Nerderman, and Shannon Kelley were invaluable in helping to care for captive birds. Katelyn Scott deserves special thanks as my research assistant. Thanks also to Chadwick Arboretum North, Waterman Agriculture and Natural Resources Laboratory Complex, the Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park, Highbanks Metro Park, and The Dawes Arboretum for access to their properties. The Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Borror Laboratory of Bioacoustics provided acoustic recordings. Taxidermy services provided by McNamara’s Taxidermy Studio (Lima, Ohio). This project was supported by funding from D. Nelson and the Borror Laboratory of Bioacoustics, and The Ohio State University Alumni Grants for Graduate Research iv and Scholarship. Finally, I wish to thank Steve Chordas and Wayne Babcock for always being encouraging and supportive. v Vita 1993 …………………………………B.S. Accounting, The University of Akron 2002 …………………………………B.S. Zoology, The University of Akron 2003 – 2004 ………………………...Wild Animal Keeper, Akron Zoological Park 2006 – 2009 ………………………...Graduate Assistant, Biology Department, John Carroll University 2011 ………………………………...M.S. Biology, John Carroll University 2009 – present ………………………Graduate Assistant, Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology and the Center for Life Sciences Education, The Ohio State University Fields of Study Major Field: Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology vi Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgments.............................................................................................................. iv Vita ..................................................................................................................................... vi List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... ix List of Figures ..................................................................................................................... x Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 1 Chapter 2. LACK OF REPEATABILITY OF FEMALE PREFERENCE FOR SONG LENGTH IN THE AMERICAN GOLDFINCH (SPINUS TRISTIS)............................... 10 ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................. 10 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 11 METHODS ................................................................................................................... 15 RESULTS ..................................................................................................................... 26 DISCUSSION ............................................................................................................... 31 Chapter 3. EVIDENCE FOR MATE CHOICE COPYING IN A SOCIALLY MONOGAMOUS SPECIES, THE AMERICAN GOLDFINCH (SPINUS TRISTIS) ..... 37 ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................. 37 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 38 METHODS ................................................................................................................... 41 RESULTS ..................................................................................................................... 48 DISCUSSION ............................................................................................................... 54 SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL .................................................................................. 59 Chapter 4. FAMILIARITY AMONG FEMALES INCREASES MATE CHOICE COPYING IN THE AMERICAN GOLDFINCH (SPINUS TRISTIS) ............................. 62 ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................. 62 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 63 METHODS ................................................................................................................... 67 vii RESULTS ..................................................................................................................... 74 DISCUSSION ............................................................................................................... 78 SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL .................................................................................. 81 Chapter 5. CONCLUSION ............................................................................................... 83 LITERATURE CITED ..................................................................................................... 89 viii List of Tables Table 1 Single Measures Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) to examine repeatability of female choice for short or long song and repeatability of time spent in the center of the arena. ............................................................................................................ 27 Table 2 Estimated marginal means and 95% Wald confidence intervals from the main effects of the Generalized Estimating Equation. Means represent the probability of choosing the long song...................................................................................................... 30 Table 3 Model effects in the Generalized Estimating Equation used to examine the effects of female preference for short or long song. Subject variable is the individual female and within-subject variable is trial. .......................................................................................... 30 Table 4 Generalized Estimating Equation to examine the effects of treatment, bird age, and trial order on the difference in the proportion of time spent with the less preferred male over time spent with either male from the pre-test phase to the post-test phase. Subject variable is the individual female and within-subject variable
Recommended publications
  • Red Rock Lakes Total Species: National Wildlife Refuge for Birds Seen Not on This List Please Contact the Refuge with Species, Location, Time, and Date
    Observer: Address: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Weather: Date: Time: Red Rock Lakes Total Species: National Wildlife Refuge For birds seen not on this list please contact the refuge with species, location, time, and date. Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Birding Guide 27650B South Valley Road Lima, MT 59739 Red Rock Lakes National [email protected] email Wildlife Refuge and the http://www.fws.gov/redrocks/ 406-276-3536 Centennial Valley, Montana 406-276-3538 fax For Hearing impaired TTY/Voice: 711 State transfer relay service (TRS) U.S Fish & Wildlife Service http://www.fws.gov/ For Refuge Information 1-800-344-WILD(9453) July 2013 The following birds have been observed in the Centennial Valley and are Red Rock Lakes considered rare or accidental. These birds are either observed very infre- quently in highly restrictive habitat types or are out of their normal range. National Wildlife Refuge Artic Loon Black-bellied Plover Winter Wren Clark’s Grebe Snowy Plover Northern Mockingbird Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is located in the scenic and iso- lated Centennial Valley of southwestern Montana, approximately 40 miles Great Egret Red-necked Phalarope Red-eyed Vireo west of Yellowstone National Park. The refuge has a vast array of habitat, Mute Swan American Woodcock Yellow-breasted Chat ranging from high elevation wetland and prairie at 6,600 feet, to the harsh alpine habitat of the Centennial Mountains at 9,400 feet above sea level. It Black Swan Pectoral Sandpiper Common Grackle is this diverse, marsh-prairie-sagebrush-montane environment that gives Ross’ Goose Dunlin Northern Oriole Red Rock Lakes its unique character.
    [Show full text]
  • Proposal 2017-C-15 Below)
    AOS Classification Committee – North and Middle America Proposal Set 2017-C 15 March 2017 No. Page Title 01 02 Revise the linear sequence of genera in Fringillidae, and transfer Serinus mozambicus to Crithagra 02 09 Split Brown Creeper (Certhia americana) into two species 03 16 Transfer Violet-bellied Hummingbird from Damophila to Juliamyia 04 18 Elevate Colaptes auratus mexicanoides to species rank 05 23 Split Nashville Warbler (Oreothlypis ruficapilla) into two species 06 26 Adopt new English names for Melozone biarcuata and Melozone cabanisi 07 29 Lump Thayer’s Gull (Larus thayeri) with Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) 08 43 Change the spelling of the English names of Le Conte’s Thrasher (Toxostoma lecontei) and Le Conte’s Sparrow (Ammodramus leconteii) 09 46 Add Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra) to the Main List 10 49 Add Blyth’s Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus dumetorum) to the Main List 11 52 Add Chatham Albatross (Thalassarche eremita) to the Main List 12 55 Add Red-legged Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes cyaneus) to the U.S. list 13 57 Add nine species recorded from Greenland to the Main List 14 68 Split Bell’s Vireo (Vireo bellii) into two species 1 2017-C-1 N&MA Classification Committee pp. 658-679 Revise the linear sequence of genera in Fringillidae, and transfer Serinus mozambicus to Crithagra Background: In the past decade, several phylogenetic papers have elucidated relationships within the Fringillidae (Arnaiz-Villena et al. 2007, 2008, Nguembock et al. 2009, Lerner et al. 2011, Zuccon et al. 2012). NACC already has taken a series of actions (reviewed below) based on this research.
    [Show full text]
  • American Goldfinch American Goldfinch Appearance Fairly Small, Slim, Somewhat Small-Headed Bird with a Fairly Long Notched Tail, and Short Conical Bill
    American Goldfinch American Goldfinch Appearance Fairly small, slim, somewhat small-headed bird with a fairly long notched tail, and short conical bill. Sexually dimorphic. Male Female Pale pinkish-orange bill. Pale pinkish-orange bill. Black cap, bright yellow body with white undertail coverts; Greenish-yellow crown; bright yellow underparts with white undertail covers; dusky two white wing-bars on black wings. olive/yellow upper parts; two white wing-bars on black wings. Photos: Jackie Tilles (left), Omaksimenko (right) DuPage Birding Club, 2020 2 American Goldfinch Appearance Fairly small, slim, somewhat small-headed bird with a fairly long notched tail and short conical bill. Sexually dimorphic. Female (left) and male (right) Photo: Mike Hamilton DuPage Birding Club, 2020 3 American Goldfinch Appearance Immatures are olive/brown above, pale yellow below, shading to buff on sides and flanks; throat of males progressively brighter yellow with age. Flight feathers dark blackish-brown, males darker than females; wing-bars and feather tips buffy. Immature American Goldfinch Immature American Goldfinch Photos: Mike Hamilton DuPage Birding Club, 2020 4 American Goldfinch Sounds From The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/ SONGS Males sing a long and variable series of twitters and warbles that can be several seconds long. The notes and phrases are variable and repeated in a seemingly random order. Birds continue to learn song patterns throughout life. CALLS The American Goldfinch’s most common call is its contact call, often given in flight. It sounds like the bird is quietly saying po-ta-to-chip or per- chik’-o-ree with a very even cadence.
    [Show full text]
  • Phylogeography of Finches and Sparrows
    In: Animal Genetics ISBN: 978-1-60741-844-3 Editor: Leopold J. Rechi © 2009 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. Chapter 1 PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF FINCHES AND SPARROWS Antonio Arnaiz-Villena*, Pablo Gomez-Prieto and Valentin Ruiz-del-Valle Department of Immunology, University Complutense, The Madrid Regional Blood Center, Madrid, Spain. ABSTRACT Fringillidae finches form a subfamily of songbirds (Passeriformes), which are presently distributed around the world. This subfamily includes canaries, goldfinches, greenfinches, rosefinches, and grosbeaks, among others. Molecular phylogenies obtained with mitochondrial DNA sequences show that these groups of finches are put together, but with some polytomies that have apparently evolved or radiated in parallel. The time of appearance on Earth of all studied groups is suggested to start after Middle Miocene Epoch, around 10 million years ago. Greenfinches (genus Carduelis) may have originated at Eurasian desert margins coming from Rhodopechys obsoleta (dessert finch) or an extinct pale plumage ancestor; it later acquired green plumage suitable for the greenfinch ecological niche, i.e.: woods. Multicolored Eurasian goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) has a genetic extant ancestor, the green-feathered Carduelis citrinella (citril finch); this was thought to be a canary on phonotypical bases, but it is now included within goldfinches by our molecular genetics phylograms. Speciation events between citril finch and Eurasian goldfinch are related with the Mediterranean Messinian salinity crisis (5 million years ago). Linurgus olivaceus (oriole finch) is presently thriving in Equatorial Africa and was included in a separate genus (Linurgus) by itself on phenotypical bases. Our phylograms demonstrate that it is and old canary. Proposed genus Acanthis does not exist. Twite and linnet form a separate radiation from redpolls.
    [Show full text]
  • Goldfinches and Finch Food!
    A Purple Finch (left) en- Frequently Asked Questions joys Sunflower Hearts and About Finch FOOD: an American goldfinch (right, in winter plumage) B i r d s - I - V i e w munches on a 50/50 blend Q. What do Finches eat? of Sunflower heart chips A. Finches utilize many small grass seeds and and Nyjer Seed . flower seed in nature and are built to shell tiny Frequently Asked Questions seeds easily. At Backyard Bird feeders they will Q. Do Goldfinches migrate in winter? FAQ consume Nyjer Seed (traditionally referred to as A. In much of the US, including the Mid- “thistle” in the bird feeding industry, but now west, Goldfinch are year-round residents. about more correctly referred to as “Nyjer”). They also There are areas of the US that only experi- consume Black Oil sunflower Seed and LOVE ence Goldfinch in the Winter and parts of Goldfinches and Sunflower HEARTS whether whole or in fine northern US and Canada only have them chips. In recent years, more and more backyard during breeding season. Check out the nota- Finch Food! birders are feeding Sunflower hearts (which ble difference between the Goldfinch’s does not have a shell) either alone or combined plumage in the winter and during breeding with the traditional Nyjer seed (which DOES season on the cover of this brochure! Q. What other finches can I see at feeders used by Goldfinch? A. Year-round House Finch as well as non- finch family birds like chickadees, tufted Titmouse, and Downy Woodpecker will en- joy your finch feeder.
    [Show full text]
  • British Birds VOLUME 75 NUMBER 12 DECEMBER 1982
    British Birds VOLUME 75 NUMBER 12 DECEMBER 1982 Identifying Serins D.J. Holman andS. C. Madge rom descriptions submitted to the Rarities Committee and some Fpersonal experience, it has become apparent that some records of Serins Serinus serinus have referred to escaped cagebirds of other Serinus species, and even to Siskins Carduelis spinus. The purpose of this short paper is to draw attention to the problem and to amplify the specific characters of Serin against those of some of the potentially confusable species. It is beyond the scope of this paper to draw attention to all of the possible pitfall species: there are some 35 species in the genus Serinus, admittedly not all of which could be confused with Serin, and several species of the Neotropical genus Sicalis, two of which resemble Serin in plumage pattern. Specific identification as Serin A bird may be safely identified as Serin by a combination of features: /. Appearance of small, dumpy finch with short bill and 'squat face' Z Short and markedly cleft tail, lacking yellow bases to outer feathers 3. Brownish wings with dark feather centres and pale huffish tips to median and greater coverts, forming one or two wing-bars, and narrow pale edges to tertials in fresh plumage 4. Conspicuous clear bright yellow rump in all plumages (except juvenile, which has streaked rump lacking yellow; one of us (SCM) has seen such a juvenile as late as mid November in European Turkey) 5. Underparts streaked, at least alongflanks, often heavily. Yellow not always present on underparts: if present, restricted to face and breast, with remainder whitish 6.
    [Show full text]
  • University of Florida Thesis Or Dissertation Formatting
    FORAGING ECOLOGY AND CALL RELEVANCE DRIVE RELIANCE ON SOCIAL INFORMATION IN AN AVIAN EAVESDROPPING NETWORK By HARRISON HENRY JONES A THESIS PRESENTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA 2016 © 2016 Harrison Jones To all those who have given me the inspiration, confidence, and belief to pursue my passion in life ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I thank my parents, who have not only provided unconditional support and encouragement during my degree, but also imbued in me an appreciation for nature and a curiosity about the world. My thanks also go to Elena West, Jill Jankowski, and Rachel Hoang who gave me confidence and the enthusiasm, not to mention sage advice, to apply to a graduate program and follow my passion for ornithology. I would also be remiss to not mention the tremendous support received from the Sieving lab, in particular my amazing officemates Kristen Malone, Willa Chaves, and Andrea Larissa Boesing who were always available to provide help and perspective when needed. I would also like to thank my committee for their helpful input. Katie Sieving was a tremendous help in designing and executing the study, in particular through her knowledge of parid vocalizations. Scott Robinson provided in-depth background knowledge about the study species and insight into the results obtained. And Ben Baiser was invaluable in assisting with the multivariate statistics and generally any other quantitative question I could throw at him. Finally, a big thanks to my many field technicians, Henry Brown, Jason Lackson, Megan Ely, and Florencia Arab, without whom this degree would not be possible.
    [Show full text]
  • Winter Bird Highlights 2013
    FROM PROJECT FEEDERWAtch 2012–13 Focus on citizen science • Volume 9 Winter BirdHighlights Winter npredictability is one constant as each winter Focus on Citizen Science is a publication highlight- ing the contributions of citizen scientists. This is- brings surprises to our feeders. The 2012–13 sue, Winter Bird Highlights 2013, is brought to you by Project FeederWatch, a research and education proj- season broke many regional records with sis- ect of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Studies U Canada. Project FeederWatch is made possible by the kins and nuthatches moving south in record numbers efforts and support of thousands of citizen scientists. to tantalize FeederWatchers across much of the con- Project FeederWatch Staff tinent. This remarkable year also brought a record- David Bonter breaking number of FeederWatchers, with more than Project Leader, USA Janis Dickinson 20,000 participants in the US and Canada combined! Director of Citizen Science, USA Kristine Dobney Whether you’ve been FeederWatching for 26 years or Project Assistant, Canada Wesley Hochachka this is your first season counting, the usual suspects— Senior Research Associate, USA chickadees, juncos, and woodpeckers—always bring Anne Marie Johnson Project Assistant, USA familiarity and enjoyment, as well as valuable data, Rosie Kirton Project Support, Canada even if you don’t observe anything unusual. Whichever Denis Lepage birds arrive at your feeder, we hope they will bring a Senior Scientist, Canada Susan E. Newman sense of wonder that captures your attention. Thanks Project Assistant, USA for sharing your observations and insights with us and, Kerrie Wilcox Project Leader, Canada most importantly, Happy FeederWatching.
    [Show full text]
  • Birds of Summer SUMMER 2018 the Best of Warm Weather Bird Feeding in Your Backyard!
    Bluebirds and hummers and goldfinches, oh my! ® SUMMER 2018 Birds of Summer The best of warm weather bird feeding in your backyard! eeding birds in the summer seems counterintuitive. will be looking for nectar during the warmer months. The weather is warm, snow is months away, and With no sense of smell, they rely on bright colors to spot birds have ready access to the insects, worms, and possible food sources. Planting flowers is a great way Fgrubs teeming just below the surface of your backyard. to lure them, and hanging a few hummingbird feeders So why flll your feeders in the summertime? filled with sweet nectar will encourage them to stay. Summer Supplementing natural food sources for birds has Goldfinches are another easily spotted bird during the many benefits for the birds and for you. Filling feeders summer, and can be found in most every state. Of the with seed will not cause birds to rely on you for a pri- three species, the American Goldfinch is the most com- Birds! mary food source. In fact, most birds receive less than a mon, and one of the easiest to identify. Adult males are quarter of their diet from feeder offerings. But during the vivid yellow with black caps and black wings adorned The summer season brings the brilliant colors of migratory season, birds will appreciate an extra helping with white markings. Lesser Goldfinches, adorned with From your neighborhood Wild Bird Center Bird Wild neighborhood your From Goldfinches, Bluebirds and Hummingbirds of seed from your feeders, especially in the months more muted, softer hues, live in the western states, and • when seed remains scarce.
    [Show full text]
  • Winter Bird Highlights 2015, Is Brought to You by U.S
    Winter Bird Highlights FROM PROJECT FEEDERWATCH 2014–15 FOCUS ON CITIZEN SCIENCE • VOLUME 11 Focus on Citizen Science is a publication highlight- FeederWatch welcomes new ing the contributions of citizen scientists. This is- sue, Winter Bird Highlights 2015, is brought to you by U.S. project assistant Project FeederWatch, a research and education proj- ect of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Studies Canada. Project FeederWatch is made possible by the e are pleased to have a new efforts and support of thousands of citizen scientists. Wteam member on board! Meet Chelsea Benson, a new as- Project FeederWatch Staff sistant for Project FeederWatch. Chelsea will also be assisting with Cornell Lab of Ornithology NestWatch, another Cornell Lab Janis Dickinson citizen-science project. She will Director of Citizen Science be responding to your emails and Emma Greig phone calls and helping to keep Project Leader and Editor the website and social media pages Anne Marie Johnson Project Assistant up-to-date. Chelsea comes to us with a back- Chelsea Benson Project Assistant ground in environmental educa- Wesley Hochachka tion and conservation. She has worked with schools, community Senior Research Associate organizations, and local governments in her previous positions. Diane Tessaglia-Hymes She incorporated citizen science into her programming and into Design Director regional events like Day in the Life of the Hudson River. Chelsea holds a dual B.A. in psychology and English from Bird Studies Canada Allegheny College and an M.A. in Social Science, Environment Kerrie Wilcox and Community, from Humboldt State University. Project Leader We are excited that Chelsea has brought her energy and en- Rosie Kirton thusiasm to the Cornell Lab, where she will no doubt mobilize Project Support even more people to monitor bird feeders (and bird nests) for Kristine Dobney Project Assistant science.
    [Show full text]
  • The American Goldfinch (Spinus Tristis) Is a Small Bird
    Is this email not displaying correctly? Nature Expert Fall 2015 View it in your browser. Newsletter Find us on Facebook Hello, Due to numerous requests from our customers, this Forward to a Friend newsletter will address the Goldfinch. Fall is a great time to observe and attract goldfinches to your feeders. You will learn everything you want to know about this delightful bird found at feeders around our homes. Please have a look at calendar of events in order to know where we will be this fall. We also invite you to leave your comments on our products. If you purchased a product from us, please click on the product and select Reviews. You will then be able to write your comments about this product. Opening hours Happy birding, Sunday - Monday Closed Alain Goulet, owner and bird enthusiast. Tuesday - Wednesday 9:30 to 6:00 Thursday- Friday 9:30 to 7:00 The Saturday American Goldfinch 9:30 to 5:00 Come visit us! 5120 Rue de Bellechasse Montréal, QC H1T 2A4 The American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is a small bird with a beautiful song and an easily recognizable yellow plumage in summer. Goldfinches are partially migrators. As a general rule, goldfinches are present year round in the north and middle portions of the United States, and are present in the southern part of Canada during the _________________ summer. During winter, they can be found almost everywhere in the United States, as well as in some parts Danville Migratory of Mexico. A few American Goldfinches may still be seen Festival in the south of Quebec during the winter.
    [Show full text]
  • The Phylogenetic Relationships and Generic Limits of Finches
    Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 62 (2012) 581–596 Contents lists available at SciVerse ScienceDirect Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/ympev The phylogenetic relationships and generic limits of finches (Fringillidae) ⇑ Dario Zuccon a, , Robert Pryˆs-Jones b, Pamela C. Rasmussen c, Per G.P. Ericson d a Molecular Systematics Laboratory, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, SE-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden b Bird Group, Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, Akeman St., Tring, Herts HP23 6AP, UK c Department of Zoology and MSU Museum, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA d Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, SE-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden article info abstract Article history: Phylogenetic relationships among the true finches (Fringillidae) have been confounded by the recurrence Received 30 June 2011 of similar plumage patterns and use of similar feeding niches. Using a dense taxon sampling and a com- Revised 27 September 2011 bination of nuclear and mitochondrial sequences we reconstructed a well resolved and strongly sup- Accepted 3 October 2011 ported phylogenetic hypothesis for this family. We identified three well supported, subfamily level Available online 17 October 2011 clades: the Holoarctic genus Fringilla (subfamly Fringillinae), the Neotropical Euphonia and Chlorophonia (subfamily Euphoniinae), and the more widespread subfamily Carduelinae for the remaining taxa. Keywords: Although usually separated in a different
    [Show full text]