Taxonomic Comments on the Eurylaimidae

SUMMARY On the basis of supposed differences in the shape of the spina externa of the sternum, the number of cervical vertebrae, the deep plantar tendons, the quadrato‐jugal articulation, and the size of the hallux, the Eurylaimidae were put in a separate suborder, the Eurylaimi. All of these characters are now shown to be variable within the family or shared with other suboscine families. It is recommended that the subordinal designation “Eurylaimi” be abandoned and that the family be included in the suborder Tyranni. A number of characters point to the Cotingidae as the nearest possible extant relatives of the Eurylaimidae. The Eurylaimidae consist of a number of unrelated genera with several relict species, and probably represent the remains of an ancient, once more widespread group that became isolated and gave rise to the suboscine fauna in South America while being largely replaced by oscines in the Old World. Recognition of subfamilies within the Eurylaimidae is discouraged. Smitkornis should be considered the most advanced of the eurylaimids. The sequence of suboscine families is discussed and a rearrangement is suggested.