Complete mitochondrial genome of a sunbird, Aethopyga gouldiae (Aves: Passeriformes), the first representative of Nectariniidae

Abstract

The first complete mitochondrial genome of a sunbird was determined for Gould’s sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae. The identity of the sample was verified by conducting nucleotide blast for each mitochondrial ribosomal RNA and protein-coding gene, and by estimating its phylogenetic position using five genes (12S, ND2, ATP6, ND3, CYTb) and 52 passerines (including 17 sunbirds and allies). The mitogenomic length of A. gouldiae was 16,893 bp, including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes and 1 control region. The nucleotide composition of the genome shows a bias toward A + T. Since the sunbirds and allies form a large bird group that feeds on nectar, along with the hummingbirds and honeyeaters, the mitogenome of A. gouldiae could contribute to understand the evolution of feeding behavior in birds and the phylogenetic position of the sunbirds.