Characterization of a complete mitochondrial genome of Turdus ruficollis (Passeriformes: Turdidae)

Turdus ruficollis is mainly found in China and Northeast Asia. So far, the mitochondrial genome of more than 20 species from the genus Turdus has been studied. However, the relevant information of T. ruficollis has not been reported. To grasp a better comprehension on the molecular basis of T. ruficollis, we obtained the complete mitochondrial DNA genome sequences of this species. The mitogenome was 16,737 bp in length, which consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and one control region. A phylogenetic tree based on complete mitogenome sequences revealed that, within the genus Turdidae, T. ruficollis is closely related to T. naumanni and T. eumomus. The complete mitochondrial genome of T. ruficollis would be of great utility for population genetics and phylogeography of the Turdidae family and would also provide meritorious insights for future studies on conservation, genetics, and phylogeny of the Passeriformes family.