ADVANCES IN CICONIIFORM SYSTEMATICS 1976-1996

In the last 20 years, the study of the phylogeny of herons, storks, ib ises, and flamingos has yielded mixed results. In some cases, our unde rstanding of relationships is much improved, and thus provides a subst antial framework for evolutionary studies of ecology and behavior. Thi s is particularly true within the Ardeidae and Ciconiidae, where molec ular and morphological comparisons among species are most extensive an d behavioral databases most comprehensive. For storks and herons, we h ave already begun with gusto to study the historical patterns of morph ology, behavior, and vocalizations. Unfortunately, we do not have simi lar phylogenetic information on ibises and flamingos. However, sorting out the relationships of species within these groups will simply be a matter of application, and it should happen soon. More difficult and frustrating is our inability, despite substantial effort, to discern t he relationships among the traditional ciconiiform families and other groups, including pelecaniform and falconiform families.