The relationship of the Australasian Whistlers Pachycephala as indicated by DNA-DNA hybridization

Abstract

The taxonomic relationships of the Australasian whistlers, or thickheads, were examined by comparing the radioiodine-labelled single-copy DNA sequences of the Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis with the DNAs of fifty-five other species, representing fifty genera of oscine passerine birds (Passeres). Of the taxa examined, Pachycephala was found to be most closely related to other species of Pachycephala, to Pitohui, Colluricincla, Oreoica, Falcunculus, Rhagologus, and Daphoenositta, in that order.