A comprehensive phylogeny and taxonomic evaluation of the waxbills (Aves: Estrildidae)

Abstract

We present a revised taxonomy of Estrildidae based on the first time-calibrated phylogeny of the family Estrildidae estimated from a data set including the majority of the species, and all genera except the monospecific Paludipasser, using two mitochondrial and five nuclear markers. We find that most differences in current taxonomy reflect alternative opinions among authors regarding inclusiveness of genera, which are usually not in conflict with the phylogeny. The most notable exception is the current circumscriptions of the genera Neochmia, Nesocharis and Taeniopygia, which are incompatible with the phylogeny. Estrildidae is subdivided into six well supported subclades, which we propose be recognized as the subfamilies Amandavinae, Erythrurinae, Estrildinae, Lagonostictinae, Lonchurinae and Poephilinae.

Keywords: Amandavinae; Erythrurinae; Estrildinae; Lagonostictinae; Lonchurinae; Poephilinae; Taxonomy.