The relationships of the Australo-Papuan Fairy-wrens as indicated by DNA-DNA hybridization

Abstract

The systematic relationships of the genus Malurus were examined by comparing the radioiodine-labelled ('iSI) single copy DNA sequences of the Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus lamberti with the DNAs of thirty-seven other species of oscine birds. Malurus lamberti was found to be most closely related to other species of Malurus, and to Stipiturus, Amytornis, the acanthizine thornbills and scrubwrens, and the honeyeaters, in that order. Malurus is not closely related to the sylviine warblers, the timaliine babblers, or the muscicapine flycatchers.