A team of international scientists have been collaborating on a genetic study of extant bird species.  This programme sets out to provide a better understanding of the phylogeny of Aves.  It has been operating for a decade and is split into four phases.  A report outlining the conclusions of phase two was published in the spring (2024).  This immense study of bird genomes has highlighted some important characteristics of bird evolution.  For example, it has confirmed the phylogeny of the extinct phorusrhacids within the Aves order.

The complex nature of avian evolutionary relationships has been highlighted by this research.  The study, conducted by the Bird 10,000 Genomes (B10K) Consortium has enabled a comprehensive bird family tree to be constructed.  This research provides strong support for the hypothesis that very few lineages of modern birds existed before the K-Pg extinction event.

Complexity of bird evolution revealed by family-level genomes. The chart displays bird relationships and when groups diverged away from each other in deep geological time. Picture credit: Josefin Stiller, with paintings of birds by Jon Fjeldså.

Picture credit: Josefin Stiller and paintings of birds by Jon Fjeldså.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s blog post about this research: New Analysis Re-Writes Bird Evolution.

The Relationship Between Phorusrhacids and Extant Flightless Birds

One of the conclusions of the study is that the Cariamiformes order is far removed genetically from the Palaeognathae.  This infraclass of birds (Palaeognathae) consists of the flightless ratites and one lineage of volant birds (Tinamous).  Life reconstructions of extinct members of the phorusrhacid family vary.  For example, Phorusrhacos longissimus, a phorusrhacid known from the Miocene, has been depicted with plumage like its living relative the Seriema, whilst other depictions give it a bristle-like integumentary covering reminiscent of an Emu or a Cassowary which are both ratites.

For instance, the CollectA Deluxe Kelenken figure, gives this phorusrhacid a coat of bristle-like feathers on the neck and the body.  The feathers on this scale model resemble those of an Emu or a Cassowary.

The CollectA Deluxe Kelenken figure has an integumentary covering on the neck and body which resembles the bristle-like feathers of a ratite such as a Cassowary. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit; Everything Dinosaur

To view the CollectA Deluxe range of figures in stock: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Models.

The complexity of avian evolution is being revealed by a genetic analysis at the species level. Cariamiformes such as the “terror birds” Phorusrhacos and Kelenken are far removed from the ratites. Members of the Phorusrhacidae may not have had bristle-like feathers as found on Emus and their relatives but plumage reminiscent of more closely related birds such as falcons and parrots.  Perhaps model makers will utilise some of the findings from this extensive research programme in their prehistoric bird figures.

Convergent Evolution

Evolving into large flightless birds, descended from a common ancestor is a trait shared by both the ratites and the phorusrhacids.  However, this is not because these two types of bird are closely related.  It is more likely to represent an example of convergent evolution.  From a model making perspective, it is difficult to find extant animal references.  After all, nothing like the “terror birds” exists today (fortunately).

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Figures.