The complete mitogenomes of all four species (Aves: Estrildidae).

Crimsonwings are estrildid finches found in the understory of montane rainforests of sub-Saharan Africa. The genus includes four species: Sharpe 1902, Sharpe 1902, (Hartlaub 1874), and Reichenow 1892. The first two are endemic to the Albertine Rift, while the latter two are more widespread.

The Complete Genome Sequences of 30 Species of Falcons (Falconiformes, Aves).

We present the complete genome sequences of 30 species of falcons. Illumina sequencing was performed on genetic material from wild-caught specimens. The reads were assembled using a method followed by a finishing step.

The Complete Genome Sequences of 31 Species of Hawks (Accipitriformes, Aves).

We present the complete genome sequences of 31 species of hawks. Illumina sequencing was performed on genetic material from wild-caught specimens. The reads were assembled using a method followed by a finishing step.

The Complete Genome Sequence of (Fringillidae, Passeriformes), the Puerto Rican Euphonia.

The Puerto Rican Euphonia () was recognized as an endemic species in 2023 based solely on morphological differences. A brightly plumaged finch that inhabits a variety of habitats, including lowland dry, scrub forests and shade-coffee plantations (Carlo et. al 2004).

The Complete Genome Sequences of 23 Finch Species (Fringillidae, Passeriformes).

We present complete genome sequences of 23 species of finches from 6 genera.

The Evolution of Multiple Color Mechanisms Is Correlated with Diversification in Sunbirds (Nectariniidae).

How and why certain groups become speciose is a key question in evolutionary biology. Novel traits that enable diversification by opening new ecological niches are likely important mechanisms. However, ornamental traits can also promote diversification by opening up novel sensory niches and thereby creating novel inter-specific interactions.

The Complete Genome Sequences of 19 Species of Snipes (Scolopacidae, Charadriiformes, Aves).

We present the complete genome sequences of 19 species of snipes from 7 genera. Illumina sequencing was performed on genetic material from museum specimens. The reads were assembled using a method followed by a finishing step.

Complex plumages spur rapid color diversification in kingfishers (Aves: Alcedinidae).

Colorful signals in nature provide some of the most stunning examples of rapid phenotypic evolution. Yet, studying color pattern evolution has been historically difficult owing to differences in perceptual ability of humans and analytical challenges with studying how complex color patterns evolve. Island systems provide a natural laboratory for testing hypotheses about the direction and magnitude of phenotypic change.

Intestinal microbiota of Nearctic-Neotropical migratory birds vary more over seasons and years than between host species.

Seasonal migration of Nearctic-Neotropical passerine birds may have profound effects on the diversity and abundance of their host-associated microbiota. Migratory birds experience seasonal change in environments and diets throughout the course of the annual cycle that, along with recurrent biological events such as reproduction, may significantly impact their microbiota. In this study, we characterize the intestinal microbiota of four closely related species of migratory Catharus thrushes at three time points of their migratory cycle: during spring migration, on the summer breeding territories and during fall migration.

Interspecific hybridization explains rapid gorget colour divergence in hummingbirds (Aves: Trochilidae).

Hybridization is a known source of morphological, functional and communicative signal novelty in many organisms. Although diverse mechanisms of established novel ornamentation have been identified in natural populations, we lack an understanding of hybridization effects across levels of biological scales and upon phylogenies. Hummingbirds display diverse structural colours resulting from coherent light scattering by feather nanostructures.

The Complete Genome Sequence of , the Carolina Parakeet.

The Carolina Parakeet () is an extinct species of parrot that was native to the eastern, midwest, and plains regions of the United States. We present the whole genome sequence of this species. Illumina sequencing was performed on a genetic sample from a single captive individual.

The Complete Genome Sequence of the Spix's Macaw.

The Spix's Macaw () is a critically endangered parrot that was once endemic to Brazil. We present the whole genome sequence of this species. Illumina sequencing was performed on a genetic sample from a single captive individual.

The Complete Genome Sequences of 94 Species of Parrots (Psittaciformes, Aves).

We present the complete genome sequences of 94 species of parrots from 40 genera. Illumina sequencing was performed on genetic material from single individuals. The reads were assembled using a de novo method followed by a finishing step.

Genomic novelty within a "great speciator" revealed by a high-quality reference genome of the collared kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris collaris).

Islands are natural laboratories for studying patterns and processes of evolution. Research on island endemic birds has revealed elevated speciation rates and rapid phenotypic evolution in several groups (e.g.

Orthologous microsatellites, transposable elements, and DNA deletions correlate with generation time and body mass in neoavian birds.

The rate of mutation accumulation in germline cells can be affected by cell replication and/or DNA damage, which are further related to life history traits such as generation time and body mass. Leveraging the existing datasets of 233 neoavian bird species, here, we investigated whether generation time and body mass contribute to the interspecific variation of orthologous microsatellite length, transposable element (TE) length, and deletion length and how these genomic attributes affect genome sizes. In nonpasserines, we found that generation time is correlated to both orthologous microsatellite length and TE length, and body mass is negatively correlated to DNA deletions.

Repeated sampling of individuals reveals impact of tropical and temperate habitats on microbiota of a migratory bird.

Migratory animals experiencing substantial change in diet and habitat across the annual cycle may have corresponding shifts in host-associated microbial diversity. Using automated telemetry and radio tags to recapture birds, we examined gut microbiota structure in the same population and often same individual of Kirtland's Warblers (Setophaga kirtlandii) initially sampled on their wintering grounds in The Bahamas and subsequently resampled within their breeding territories in Michigan, USA. Initial sampling occurred in March and April and resampling occurred in May, June and early July.

Accelerated Brain Shape Evolution Is Associated with Rapid Diversification in an Avian Radiation.

AbstractNiche expansion is a critical step in the speciation process. Large brains linked to improved cognitive ability may enable species to expand their niches and forage in new ways, thereby promoting speciation. Despite considerable work on ecological divergence in brain size and its importance in speciation, relatively little is known about how brain shape relates to behavioral, ecological, and taxonomic diversity at macroevolutionary scales.

Contrasting drivers of diversity in hosts and parasites across the tropical Andes.

Geographic turnover in community composition is created and maintained by eco-evolutionary forces that limit the ranges of species. One such force may be antagonistic interactions among hosts and parasites, but its general importance is unknown. Understanding the processes that underpin turnover requires distinguishing the contributions of key abiotic and biotic drivers over a range of spatial and temporal scales.

Morphological innovation and biomechanical diversity in plunge-diving birds.

Innovations in foraging behavior can drive morphological diversity by opening up new ways of interacting with the environment, or limit diversity through functional constraints associated with different foraging behaviors. Several classic examples of adaptive radiations in birds show increased variation in ecologically relevant traits. However, these cases primarily focus on geographically narrow adaptive radiations, consider only morphological evolution without a biomechanical approach, or do not investigate tradeoffs with other non-focal traits that might be affected by use of different foraging habitats.

Using Historical Biogeography Models to Study Color Pattern Evolution.

Color is among the most striking features of organisms, varying not only in spectral properties like hue and brightness, but also in where and how it is produced on the body. Different combinations of colors on a bird's body are important in both environmental and social contexts. Previous comparative studies have treated plumage patches individually or derived plumage complexity scores from color measurements across a bird's body.