Jose G. Tello

A phylogenetic approach to disentangling the role of competition and habitat filtering in community assembly of Neotropical forest birds

1. Methods that assess patterns of phylogenetic relatedness, as well as character distribution and evolution, allow one to infer the ecological processes involved in community assembly. Assuming niche conservatism, assemblages should shift from phylogenetic clustering to evenness with decreasing geographic scale because the relative importance of mechanisms that shape assemblages is hypothesized to be scale-dependent. Whereas habitat filtering is more likely to act at regional scales because of increased habitat heterogeneity that allows sorting of ecologically similar species in contrasting environments, competition is more likely to act at local scales because low habitat heterogeneity provides few opportunities for niche partitioning. 2. We used species lists to assess assemblage composition, data on ecologically-relevant traits, and a molecular phylogeny, to examine the phylogenetic structure of antbird (Thamnophilidae) assemblages at three different geographical scales: regional (ecoregions), intermediate (100-ha plots) and local (mixed-flocks). In addition, we used patterns of phylogenetic beta diversity and beta diversity to separate the factors that structure antbird assemblages at regional scales. 3. Contrary to previous findings, we found a shift from phylogenetic evenness to clustering with decreasing geographical scale. We argue that this does not reject the hypothesis that habitat filtering is the predominant force in regional community assembly, because analyses of trait evolution and structure indicated a lack of niche conservatism in antbirds. 4. In some cases, phylogenetic evenness at regional scales can be an effect of historical biogeographic processes instead of niche-based processes. However, regional patterns of beta diversity and phylogenetic beta diversity suggested that phylogenetic structure in our study cannot be explained by the history of speciation and dispersal of antbirds, further supporting the habitat-filtering hypothesis. 5. Our analyses suggested that competitive interactions might not play an important role locally, which would provide a plausible explanation for the high alpha diversity of antbirds in Amazonia. 6. Finally, we emphasize the importance of including trait information in studies of phylogenetic community structure to adequately assess the mechanisms that determine species co-existence.

Phylogeny and phylogenetic classification of the tyrant flycatchers, cotingas, manakins, and their allies (Aves: Tyrannides)

Phylogenetic relationships among the Tyrannides were assessed using over 4000 base pairs of nuclear recombination activating 1 (RAG‐1) and 2 (RAG‐2) DNA sequence data from about 93% of all described genera, which represents the most complete assessment of relationships for this diverse New World radiation to date. With this sampling we propose a significantly expanded interpretation of higher‐level relationships within the group. The Tyrannides are shown to be comprised of six major lineages, all of which represent traditional family‐level taxa (sensu Fitzpatrick, 2004a and Snow, 2004a,b ; del Hoyo et al., 2004 ): (i) manakins (Pipridae); (ii) cotingas (Cotingidae); (iii) the sharpbill (Oxyruncus) + onychorhynchine flycatchers (Onychorhynchini); (iv) tityrines (Tityridae); (v) rhynchocycline flycatchers (Rhynchocyclidae); and (vi) the tyrant flycatchers (Tyrannidae). In addition, the RAG data recovered isolated lineages with uncertain relationships, including Neopipo, Platyrinchus, Piprites, and Tachuris. The Pipridae are the sister‐group to all the other Tyrannides. Within the latter, the clade ((Oxyruncidae + Tityridae) + Cotingidae) is the sister‐group of the Tyrannoidea. Within the Tyrannoidea, the Rhynchocyclidae and their allies are sisters to Neopipo + Tyrannidae. Using our phylogenetic hypothesis, we propose the first comprehensive phylogenetic classification that attempts to achieve isometry between the tree and a classification scheme using subordination and phyletic sequencing. This study thus provides a phylogenetic framework for understanding the evolution of this diverse New World assemblage, and identifies many avenues for further systematic study.

Phylogeny and phylogenetic classification of the antbirds, ovenbirds, woodcreepers, and allies (Aves: Passeriformes: infraorder Furnariides)

The infraorder Furnariides is a diverse group of suboscine passerine birds comprising a substantial component of the Neotropical avifauna. The included species encompass a broad array of morphologies and behaviours, making them appealing for evolutionary studies, but the size of the group (ca. 600 species) has limited well‐sampled higher‐level phylogenetic studies. Using DNA sequence data from the nuclear RAG‐1 and RAG‐2 exons, we undertook a phylogenetic analysis of the Furnariides sampling 124 (more than 88%) of the genera. Basal relationships among family‐level taxa differed depending on phylogenetic method, but all topologies had little nodal support, mirroring the results from earlier studies in which discerning relationships at the base of the radiation was also difficult. In contrast, branch support for family‐rank taxa and for many relationships within those clades was generally high. Our results support the Melanopareidae and Grallariidae as distinct from the Rhinocryptidae and Formicariidae, respectively. Within the Furnariides our data contradict some recent phylogenetic hypotheses and suggest that further study is needed to resolve these discrepancies. Of the few genera represented by multiple species, several were not monophyletic, indicating that additional systematic work remains within furnariine families and must include dense taxon sampling. We use this study as a basis for proposing a new phylogenetic classification for the group and in the process erect new family‐group names for clades having high branch support across methods.

MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS OF THE TODY-TYRANT AND FLATBILL ASSEMBLAGE OF TYRANT FLYCATCHERS (TYRANNIDAE)

Abstract The tody-tyrant and flatbill assemblage, sensu Lanyon (1988a), includes 12 genera of tyrant flycatchers known variously as “tody-tyrants” and “flatbills.” Lanyon supported the monophyly of the group based on similar skull morphology and nest form, and built intergeneric relationships based on syringeal characters. However, these comparisons were made without a phylogenetic framework. A more recent study assessing relationships in the tyrant flycatchers using published morphological and behavioral data failed to recover monophyly of this assemblage (Birdsley 2002). Using DNA sequence data, we test for the monophyly of the tody-tyrant and flatbill assemblage and compare and contrast phylogenetic signals from mitochondrial and nuclear DNA character systems. We discuss our results in light of results from previous studies. We include representatives of the other major tyrant flycatcher assemblages for a total of 42 individuals (representing 27 tyrannid genera and 36 species). We sequenced 3,022 base pairs (bp) of three mitochondrial genes (ND2, ND3, and cytochrome b) and one nuclear intron (FIB5). Our results resolve many of the basal relationships of the tody-tyrant and flatbill phylogeny, but separate and combined analyses of data partitions are necessary to understand the nature of conflict among data sets. The tody-tyrants constitute a monophyletic clade, but the genera Hemitriccus and Lophotriccus are not monophyletic, and the limits of Oncostoma-Lophotriccus need to be revised with more complete sampling at the species level. The flatbills as defined by Lanyon are not monophyletic (Onychorhynchus and Platyrinchus are not true flatbills). Pseudotriccus and Corythopis are sister taxa and, together with Leptopogon and Mionectes, are allied to the tody-tyrant and flatbill clade. Filogenia Molecular del Grupo de los Picochatos y Mosquiteros de la Familia Tyrannidae

Initial Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Ten Bird Species of South American Cerrado

We compared mitochondrial DNA sequences of portions of the cytochrome b (cyt b) and the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) genes from samples of ten bird species that occur in both extremes of the Cerrado region (eastern Bolivia and Amapá, Brazil). The species include a wide sampling of taxa from several avian families: Tinamidae (1), Apodidae (1), Dendrocolaptidae (1), Furnariidae (1), Thamnophilidae (1), Tyrannidae (1), Turdidae (1), and Emberizidae (3). The taxa also exhibit a variety of distribution patterns in Neotropical open lands. Levels of genetic divergence within all taxa were low compared to comparable intraspecific values in many other widespread birds. In particular, these data suggest that there is much less genetic differentiation within these Cerrado birds than exists in birds of neighboring Amazonian forest. We suggest this implies the non-mutually exclusive possibilities that these open country birds have maintained higher levels of gene flow than forest understory birds, and that the Cerrado may have expanded to parts of its present-day distribution fairly rapidly. These data also suggest that hypothesized forest connections between Amazonia and Atlantic forest did not isolate open country bird populations from one another to a great extent.

Patterns of morphological and molecular variation in Acrocephalus newtoni on Madagascar

Goodman, S.M., Tello, J.G. & Langrand, O. 2000. Patterns of mor-phological and biochemical variation in Acracephalus newtoni on Madagascar. Ostrich 71(3&4): 367-370. The endemic Madagascar Swamp-Warbler, Acrocephalus newtoni, generally occurs in lowland or upper mid-elevation (to c. 1800 m) aquatic habitats associated with slow-moving river, stagnant marshes and swamps in most regions of the island. In 1995, a population of swamp-warbler was found above tree-line in a dry ericoid zone of vegetation on the Andringitra Massif (at 2050 m) in south-central Madagascar, a very different habitat from that typically occupied by A. newtoni. Given the typical habitat specificity of members of the genus Acrocephalus, we expected the Andringitra birds to show differences at the specific level in comparison to marsh-dwelling A. newtoni. Using morphological and molecular characters it was found that the Andringitra population cannot be differentiated from typical A. newton.

THE AVIAN BIOGEOGRAPHY OF AN AMAZONIAN HEADWATER: THE UPPER UCAYALI RIVER, PERU

Abstract The Ucayali River is a major tributary of the Amazon, but it narrows considerably toward its headwater at the base of the Andes. This region, the upper Ucayali Valley, is of biological interest for the large number of closely related birds elsewhere separated from each other by major rivers that come into close proximity and potential contact. Between 2006–2011, we conducted the first modern ornithological inventory of the upper Ucayali River and sampled localities in all major avian habitats on either side of the river. We document the continued importance of the Ucayali River as a biogeographic barrier, even at the headwater, but also find that some mixing occurs, both in the form of taxa crossing to the “wrong” bank and in the potential intergradation of distinct forms. We describe the biogeography of birds in the region, characterize the avifaunas of major habitats, and discuss in detail species of particular biogeographical interest.

A New Species of Hanging-Parrot (Aves: Psittacidae: Loriculus) from Camiguin Island, Philippines

Abstract A new species of Hanging-Parrot or Colasisi, Loriculus, is described from a series of 23 specimens (19 males, 4 females) collected in the 1960s on Camiguin Island, Camiguin Province, Philippines, at elevations between 300 and 1350 m. The new species lacks sexual dimorphism in plumage coloration, which distinguishes it from all other members of the L. philippensis group and all other Loriculus. The overall color pattern of the new species appears most like females of L. p. worcesteri and L. p. apicalis but differs in plumage characteristics (the width and extension of the orange-scarlet crown patch, the amount and intensity of blue in the face and thighs, and the intensity of the blue in the tail above inner edges and the tail below). In addition, males of the new species are larger than males of nearby populations of L. philippensis, having significantly longer tails and wing chords. Nothing is known about the habits of the new species; however, the small size of the island of Camiguin, coupled with extensive deforestation, makes the status of the new species a significant conservation concern.