Phylogenetic relationships within the turacos (Musophagidae)

Cytochrome b sequences were used to investigate both the systematic positio n of the Musophagidae and the species relationships within the family. Phyl ogenetic analyses (neighbour-joining, maximum likelihood and maximum parsim ony) supported the hypothesis that the Musophagidae are more closely relate d to the cuckoos, parrots and the Hoatzin than the gamebirds. Within the fa mily, three major clades are evident that correspond to the three subfamili es generally recognized. The 'grey turacos' and the turacin-bearing turacos form two separate monophyletic groups. Corythaixoines leucogaster appears to be basal within the subfamily Criniferinae (the 'grey turacos'). This an alysis yields a hypothesis for the controversy surrounding the position of Gallirex porphyreolophus and Tauraco johnstoni, which appear to be closely related and basal to the other turacin-bearing turacos. The Musophaga speci es are placed within the Tauraco clade and appear to be specialized forms o f typical turacos. The superspecies persa forms a monophyletic group, withi n which T: hartlaubi falls. This is an association that has not been sugges ted previously.