Why were North American tanagers reclassified into Cardinalidae?

Answer

Modern molecular evidence aligned them with cardinals and grosbeaks

The placement of North American tanagers, including *Piranga ludoviciana*, experienced a taxonomic revision based on contemporary genetic analysis. Historically, these birds were sometimes classified under the family Thraupidae, which includes true tanagers primarily found in Central and South America. However, modern molecular evidence demonstrated a closer evolutionary relationship between these North American species and the groups traditionally categorized as cardinals and grosbeaks. Consequently, they were reclassified into the New World family Cardinalidae, illustrating that genetic data often refines classifications previously based solely on observable morphology or superficial appearance.

Why were North American tanagers reclassified into Cardinalidae?

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