Recent molecular comparisons have better defined relationships among high-level taxonomic groups in birds. To reflect new data and classification changes, NCBI is improving our Taxonomy resource. As previously announced, we updated the higher-level classification of birds (Aves) with the introduction of a new major taxonomic group (clade).
What’s new?
The new clade, Neoaves, comprises about 95% of all birds. The Neoaves contain six major superordinal clades:
- Aequornithes (core water birds)
- Telluraves (core land birds)
- Columbimorphae (pigeons, sandgrouse and mesites)
- Otidimorphae (cuckoos, roadrunners, turacos and bustards)
- Strisores (nightjars, nighthawks, potoos, swifts and hummingbirds)
- Mirandornithes (flamingos and grebes)