Phylogenetic supertree and functional trait database for all extant parrots.

Area of Science:

• Ornithology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Ecology

Background:

• Parrots exhibit diverse functional traits crucial for understanding their ecology and evolution.
• A comprehensive dataset integrating morphological, dietary, and foraging data is needed for avian research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compile and present a complete dataset of functional traits for all extant parrot species.
• To develop a time-calibrated phylogenetic supertree for all extant and some extinct parrot species.

Main Methods:

• Literature review to gather data on morphological measurements, diet, foraging strategy, and foraging location for 398 parrot species.
• Construction of a time-calibrated phylogenetic supertree including 398 extant and 15 extinct parrot species.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive dataset covering morphological traits (mass, length, etc.), diet, foraging strategy, and location for all 398 extant parrot species.
• A phylogenetic supertree encompassing 413 parrot species (398 extant, 15 extinct).
• Data are publicly available on the Figshare data depository.

Conclusions:

• This integrated dataset and phylogenetic supertree provide a valuable resource for future research on parrot evolution, ecology, and conservation.
• Facilitates comparative studies on functional traits and evolutionary patterns within Psittaciformes.