A revised taxonomic sequence of the passerines
Numerous molecular studies have been published over the last two decades that have greatly expanded our knowledge of the phylogenetic relationships among passerines. A review of this literature indicates that the position of almost all major groups of passerines has been clarified. The taxonomic sequence is determined based on the principle that, for each branching point in the best-supported phylogeny, the less-speciose group should be listed first. The sixth report of the BOURC's Taxonomic Sub-committee sets out the basis on which these changes are recommended for the British List.
View the TSC 6th report. Previous TSC reports and other papers can be viewed here.
TSC recommendations only come in to effect for the British List when adopted by the BOURC and published in their own reports. The BOURC's next (38th) report will be published in the January 2010 issue of Ibis. Previous BOURC reports and other papers can be viewed here.
