Suliformes
Sign in to saveThe order Suliformes (, dubbed "Phalacrocoraciformes" by Christidis & Boles 2008) is an order of birds that includes gannets, boobies, frigatebirds, cormorants and darters. The order is recognised by the International Ornithologist's Union. Regarding the recent evidence that the traditional Pelecaniformes is polyphyletic, it has been suggested that the group be divided to reflect the true evolutionary relationships; a 2017 study indicated that they are most closely related to Otidiformes (bustards) and Ciconiiformes (storks).
AI overview
Suliformes is an order of diving and fishing birds that includes gannets, boobies, frigatebirds, cormorants, and darters, recognized as a distinct group by ornithological authorities. Scientists created this classification after discovering that the traditional grouping of these birds was not based on their true evolutionary relationships, with recent studies suggesting they are most closely related to bustards and storks.
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Wikidata facts
- Instance of
- taxon
- Subclass of
- seabird
- Parent taxon
- Aequornithes
- Image
- SulaNebouxi.jpg
Show 3 more facts
Article
3 sectionsContents
- Systematics and evolution
- Species
- References
The order Suliformes (, dubbed "Phalacrocoraciformes" by Christidis & Boles 2008) is an order of birds that includes gannets, boobies, frigatebirds, cormorants and darters. The order is recognised by the International Ornithologist's Union. Regarding the recent evidence that the traditional Pelecaniformes is polyphyletic, it has been suggested that the group be divided to reflect the true evolutionary relationships; a 2017 study indicated that they are most closely related to Otidiformes (bustards) and Ciconiiformes (storks).
==Systematics and evolution== Of the families in Pelecaniformes, only Pelecanidae, Balaenicipitidae, and Scopidae remain. The tropicbird family Phaethontidae has since been moved to their order Phaethontiformes. Genetic analysis seems to show that the Pelecaniformes are actually closely related to the Ardeidae and Threskiornithidae. As for the Suliformes, they are distantly related to the current Pelecaniformes. According to Hackett et al. (2008), loons, penguins, storks, and as well as Suliformes and Pelecaniformes, all seem to have evolved from a common ancestor. The proposed waterbird superorder has been suggested.