Which family formally classifies the New World warblers?
Answer
Parulidae
The New World warblers, which are highly diverse and successful across the Americas, are formally placed within the family Parulidae. This grouping represents a distinct evolutionary lineage separated from the Old World warblers. Molecular studies were instrumental in confirming this distinction, showing that Parulidae species do not share a recent common ancestor with the Sylviidae lineage. This family is recognized for its approximately 100 species, often characterized by active foraging habits and sometimes bright plumage patterns, and they are scientifically positioned within the superfamily Passeroidea.
Related Questions
What causes the superficial resemblance between Parulidae and Sylviidae?Which family formally classifies the New World warblers?What heavily influenced warbler classification before molecular analysis?Which families absorbed species removed from the traditional Sylviidae definition?What specific habitat is the Kirtland’s Warbler (Setophaga kirtlandii) critically dependent upon?Where are the Reed Warblers (Acrocephalus) now classified following taxonomic reorganization?What distinguishes Parulidae nest building behavior from some Old World counterparts?Which group tends to remain in the core, true Sylviidae family after splits?Within which superfamily are the New World warblers (Parulidae) scientifically classified?What behavioral trait can often help focus identification on many Parulidae in North America?