Molecular phylogenetics and the historical biogeography of dippers (Cinclus)

I used combined sequences of mitochondrial cytochromeb and ND2 genes to determine the molecular phylogenetic relationships of all five extant species of dipper (Cinclus), as well as the relationships of Cinclidae to postulated nearest relatives. All methods of analysis resulted in a single best tree of dipper relationships, uniting the two South American taxa (as sisters) with the single North American exemplar, and the two Eurasian taxa forming a sister clade to the New World taxa. Further, each tree identified thrushes (Turdidae) as the closest relative to Cinclidae. Based on relationships within Cinclus, a Eurasian ancestral area is proposed, with subsequent movement into the New World. Dating of species divergences suggest that dippers arose approximately 4mya, and achieved their present continental distributions soon after.

Molecular phylogenetics and the historical biogeography of dippers (Cinclus) Academic Article