Phylogenetic Patterns in Montane Troglodytes Wrens

Abstract

Phylogenetic studies based on mitochondrial DNA sequences of 10 species of wrens in Troglodytes and related genera suggest a new hypothesis of relationships for the group. The Winter Wren (T. troglodytes) and the anomalous Timberline Wren (Thryorchilus browni) are distantly related to the remainder of Troglodytes. The latter group divides into a tropical montane group and a northern/lowland group that includes the northernmost two montane taxa (T. rufociliatus, T. brunneicollis). Erection of the genus Nannus for the Winter Wren is proposed. Song evolution in the complex has involved either convergent derivation or retention of primitive song types in distant lineages.