Ecology

Associations

Known predators

Passeriformes (song birds) is prey of:
Asio

Based on studies in:
USA: California (Marine)

This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.
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Known prey organisms

Passeriformes (song birds) preys on:
Plantae
invertebrates
marine invertebrates
Insecta
Prokelisia
Orchelimum
Araneae

Based on studies in:
USA: California (Marine)
USA: Massachusetts, Cape Ann (Marine)
USA: Georgia (Marine)

This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.
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Evolution and Systematics

Evolution

Discussion of Phylogenetic Relationships

View Tyranni Tree

Relationships after Tello et al. (2009), Ohlson et al. (2008), Ericson et al. (2006), and others.
Several clades within Tyranni are clearly established: Pipridae (manakins), Tityridae (tityras), Cotingidae (cotingas), and Tyrannidae (tyrant flycatchers). But relationships among them are contradictory in different analyses, and no resolution is strongly supported in any analysis (Barker et al. 2002, 2004; Johansson et al. 2002; Chesser 2004, Ohlson et al. 2008, Tello et al. 2009). However, the last two references, especially, have made considerable progress in consolidating these four clades (though some species have changed allegiance) and every species but one can now be placed in its proper group with confidence. That species, Calyptura cristata, remains a mystery. Until recently thought extinct, it has never been genetically sampled, and it has been linked at various times to tyrannids, tityrids, cotingids, and piprids.

The group here called Tyranni has been given various other, though similar, names by other workers, Tyrannides and Tyrannida being the commonest. The distinctions are arbitrary.

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Functional Adaptations

Functional adaptation

Bones maximize stiffness and strength: birds
 

The bones of birds maximize stiffness and strength relative to weight by increasing density.

         
  "The skeletons of birds are universally described as lightweight as a  result of selection for minimizing the energy required  for flight. From a functional perspective, the  weight (mass) of an animal relative to its lift-generating surfaces is a  key  determinant of the metabolic cost of flight. The  evolution of birds has been characterized by many weight-saving  adaptations  that are reflected in bone shape, many of which  strengthen and stiffen the skeleton. Although largely unstudied in  birds,  the material properties of bone tissue can also  contribute to bone strength and stiffness. In this study, I calculated  the  density of the cranium, humerus and femur in  passerine birds, rodents and bats by measuring bone mass and volume  using helium  displacement. I found that, on average, these bones  are densest in birds, followed closely by bats. As bone density  increases,  so do bone stiffness and strength. Both of these  optimization criteria are used in the design of strong and stiff, but  lightweight,  manmade airframes. By analogy, increased bone  density in birds and bats may reflect adaptations for maximizing bone  strength  and stiffness while minimizing bone mass and  volume. These data suggest that both bone shape and the material  properties of  bone tissue have played important roles in the  evolution of flight. They also reconcile the conundrum of how bird  skeletons  can appear to be thin and delicate, yet contribute  just as much to total body mass as do the skeletons of terrestrial  mammals" (Dumont 2010)
  Learn more about this functional adaptation.
  • Dumont ER. 2010. Bone density and the lightweight skeletons of birds. Proc. R. Soc. B.
  • 2010. Bird bones may be hollow, but they are also heavy. Science Daily [Internet],
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Functional adaptation

Feet stay put: perching birds
 

The feet of perching birds can perch even on weak, slippery surfaces due to the rough bumpy skin on their soles.

   
  "The Passeriformes or 'perching birds' have the typical bird foot: three toes forward and one behind, with which a bird can perch crosswise on a branch. A bird's sole is covered with rough bumpy skin, so that it can obtain purchase even on a small, weak, mobile twig which may be wet and slippery after rain." (Foy and Oxford Scientific Films 1982:183)

  Learn more about this functional adaptation.
  • Foy, Sally; Oxford Scientific Films. 1982. The Grand Design: Form and Colour in Animals. Lingfield, Surrey, U.K.: BLA Publishing Limited for J.M.Dent & Sons Ltd, Aldine House, London. 238 p.
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Molecular Biology and Genetics

Barcode

Locations of barcode samples

Collection Sites: world map showing specimen collection locations for Passeriformes
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Statistics of barcoding coverage

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD) Stats
                                                             
Specimen Records:22,384
Specimens with Sequences:13,907
Specimens with Barcodes:13,757
Public Records:5,961
Species:2,660
Species With Barcodes:2,140
  
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Barcode data

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