Phylogenetic relationships of Neotropical honeycreepers and the evolution of feeding morphology

Phylogenetic relationships among Neotropical honeycreepers were studied by using cytochrome b sequence data. Although honeycreepers were once placed in their own family (Coerebidae), these species did not form a monophyletic group in any of the phylogenies in this study. Thus, our results indicate that nectar‐feeding evolved independently multiple times among these birds. The Neotropical honeycreepers are best considered disparate members of a larger radiation of tanagers and finches, in which bill size and shape, and associated feeding behaviors have changed frequently to fill a variety of niches. Our phylogenies also provide specific taxonomic recommendations on the placement of each honeycreeper genus. The use of the taxon Coerebidae is no longer warranted given the well‐supported relationships between different honeycreeper species and a variety of tanagers and finches.