Historically, skuas were sometimes included within which other family due to close evolutionary ties?
Answer
The gull family (Laridae)
Historical classifications sometimes placed skuas within the gull family (Laridae) because the evolutionary relationship between the groups is close, although contemporary evidence supports their separation into their own dedicated family.
Related Questions
To which taxonomic family do skuas and jaegers belong?What common name is typically used for these birds in North America?What is the single genus name adopted by most major taxonomic authorities for all skuas and jaegers?What historical genus designated the larger, heavier-bodied skuas?Skuas are grouped in the order Charadriiformes alongside which other types of birds?Approximately how many recognized species are currently encompassed by the genus Stercorarius?What aerial behavior, involving stealing food mid-flight, are skuas renowned for?Which specific species undertakes some of the longest migrations of any animal, traveling pole-to-pole?Historically, skuas were sometimes included within which other family due to close evolutionary ties?Besides kleptoparasitism, what capability is noted for the larger skua species?What does the unification of the two historical genera into Stercorarius suggest about previous morphological distinctions?