Phylum Chordata Rank Family Suborder Tyranni | Scientific name Tityridae Higher classification Passerine Order Passerine | |
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Lower classifications Becard, Tityra, Masked tityra, Black‑crowned tityra, Rose‑throated becard | ||
Tityridae is family of suboscine passerine birds found in forest and woodland in the Neotropics. The approximately 30 species in this family were formerly spread over the families Tyrannidae, Pipridae and Cotingidae (see Taxonomy). As yet, no widely accepted common name exists for the family, although tityras and allies and tityras, mourners and allies have been used. They are small to medium-sized birds. Under current classification, the family ranges in size from the buff-throated purpletuft, at 9.5 cm (3.7 in) and 10 grams (0.35 ounces), to the masked tityra, at up to 22 cm (8.5 in) and 88 grams (3.1 ounces). Most have relatively short tails and large heads.
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Taxonomy and systematics
Traditionally, the genus Laniocera was included in the family Tyrannidae, the genera Iodopleura, Laniisoma, Tityra, Pachyramphus and Xenopsaris were included in the family Cotingidae, and Schiffornis was included in the family Pipridae. Three of these genera, Tityra, Pachyramphus and Xenopsaris, were later moved to Tyrannidae based on the morphology of their skull and syrinx.
The existence of the family Tityridae (although simply treated as a clade) was first proposed in 1989 based on the morphology of several syringeal and skeletal features. The existence of this family has later been confirmed by multiple studies involving both mtDNA and nDNA. Evidence suggests there are two basal clades within this family, the first including the genera Schiffornis, Laniocera, and Laniisoma (with strong bootstrap support), and the second include Iodopleura, Tityra, Xenopsaris, and Pachyramphus (with poor bootstrap support).
Species
In addition to the species listed below, the swallow-tailed cotinga and kinglet calyptura may belong in this family, but hard scientific data is lacking, and they are therefore considered incertae sedis by recent authorities such as SACC. Recent evidence suggests that the sharpbill belongs in this family, but, as recommended by SACC, it is retained as incertae sedis until this placement is confirmed by additional data.