Systematic position of the Socorro mockingbird Mimodes graysoni

Recently acquired tissue makes possible a first molecular assessment of the taxonomic position of the Soccoro Island endemic mimid Mimodes graysoni. Mitochondrial DNA sequence data from the ND-2 gene was analyzed using parsimony, maximum likelihood and bayesian methods of inference. These methods all placed Mimodes graysoni within a strongly supported clade containing four representatives of the genus Mimus. Retention of the monotypic Mimodes would make Mimus paraphyletic, therefore Mimodes graysoni is more properly placed in the genus Mimus.