The Open Ornithology Journal
2017, 10 : 53-91Published online 2017 May 19. DOI: 10.2174/1874453201710010053
Publisher ID: TOOENIJ-10-53
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Molecular Systematics, Taxonomy and Distribution of the – Complex
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ABSTRACT
Introduction:
The relationships within the Pyrrhura species complex are partly unresolved. In this study, a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the Pyrrhura picta-leucotis complex was carried out, covering all species except P. subandina.
Material and Methods:
We made a morphological analysis of 745 preserved specimens of all the taxa in different museums. Nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome gene were generated and used to reconstruct a molecular phylogeny of Pyrrhura.
Results and Discussion:
Our results show that the complex is divided into 6 main groups comprising 15 species. P. dilutissima, regarded up to now as a subspecies of P. peruviana, acquires species status and three new subspecies are described. We also provide evidence that P. roseifrons is a paraphyletic group, indicating the existence of probably 3 lineages of which 2 deserve species status.