A groundbreaking study on bird genomes has unveiled a clear picture of the bird family tree. Published in Nature, the study reveals that most modern bird groups emerged within 5 million years after dinosaurs went extinct.

Birds, integral to our lives and environment, have been challenging to classify into a family tree. By analyzing over 360 bird species' genomes, researchers identified key relationships among major bird groups, reshaping our understanding of bird evolution.

Previously, the bird tree had three branches: tinamous and ratites, landfowl and waterfowl, and Neoaves. The new study introduced "Elementaves," a group including hummingbirds, shorebirds, cranes, and others. It also confirmed the close link between songbirds and parrots.

The study's molecular clock analysis dates the ancestor of all birds to over 90 million years ago, with modern bird groups emerging shortly after the dinosaur extinction around 66 million years ago.

Despite the comprehensive data, the study couldn't fully resolve the hoatzin's position, highlighting the complexity of bird evolution. This research underscores the importance of integrating genome data and fossils to decipher life's evolutionary history.

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