Mitochondrial DNA variation and the phylogeny of Zonotrichia

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We used 19 restriction endonucleases to analyze patterns of cleavage site variation in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of the five recognized species of Zonotrichia. Each species possesses a unique mtDNA profile. Relative to most congeneric avian comparisons, these species are closely related, with an average percent nucleotide divergence of 4.1%. The Golden-crowned Sparrow (Z. atricapilla) and White-crowned Sparrow (Z. leucophrys) differ by a single restriction site (out of 122), which yields an estimate of 0.11% sequence divergence. These species are sister species in all phylogenetic analyses (Wagner and Dollo parsimony, bootstrapping, distance analyses), and White-throated Sparrow (Z. albicollis) is the sister to these, followed by Harris' Sparrow (Z. querula) and Rufous-collared Sparrow (Z. capensis). The phylogeny based on mtDNA restriction sites differs from that based on allozymes (Zink 1982) in that Harris' and White-throated sparrows are reversed in this sequence. In general, however, the allozyme and mtDNA phylogenies are highly concordant. Similarities in song between White-throated and Golden-crowned sparrows can be interpreted as ancestral retentions. The song of the White-crowned Sparrow is derived relative to other north temperate congeners, and song dialects appear to have evolved independently in White-crowned and Rufous-collared sparrows. Based on the mtDNA data, patterns of hybridization are inconsistent with phylogenetic relationships, and we suggest that hybridization should not be used in taxonomic decisions.

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Electronic File - Zoology: Birds