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. 2025 Jan;21(1):20240464.
doi: 10.1098/rsbl.2024.0464. Epub 2025 Jan 8.

Genomic data reveal that the Cuban blue-headed quail-dove (Starnoenas cyanocephala) is a biogeographic relict

Jessica A Oswald  1   2 , Bret M Boyd  3 , Avery R Szewczak  4 , Michelle J LeFebvre  2 , Brian J Stucky  2   5 , Robert P Guralnick  2 , Kevin P Johnson  6 , Julie M Allen  4 , David W Steadman  2
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Genomic data reveal that the Cuban blue-headed quail-dove (Starnoenas cyanocephala) is a biogeographic relict

Jessica A Oswald et al. Biol Lett. 2025 Jan.

Abstract

Islands are well known for their unique biodiversity and significance in evolutionary and ecological studies. Nevertheless, the extinction of island species accounts for most human-caused extinctions in recent time scales, which have accelerated in recent centuries. Pigeons and doves (Columbidae) are noteworthy for the high number of island endemics, as well as for the risks those species have faced since human arrival. On Caribbean islands, no other columbid has generated more phylogenetic interest and uncertainty than the blue-headed quail-dove, Starnoenas cyanocephala. This endangered Cuban endemic has been considered more similar, both behaviourally and phenotypically, to Australasian species than to the geographically closer 'quail-dove' (Geotrygon s.l.) species of the Western Hemisphere. Here, we use whole genome sequencing from Starnoenas and other newly sequenced columbids in combination with sequence data from previous publications to investigate its relationships. Phylogenomic analyses, which represent 35 of the 51 genera currently comprising the Columbidae, reveal that the blue-headed quail-dove is the sole representative of a lineage diverging early in the radiation of columbids. Starnoenas is sister to the species-rich subfamily Columbinae, which is found worldwide. As a highly distinctive evolutionary lineage lacking close modern relatives, we recommend elevating the conservation priority of Starnoenas.

Keywords: Caribbean; Columbiformes; endemism; extinction; human impacts.

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Conflict of interest statement

We declare we have no competing interests.

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