# Phylogenetic Relationship and Characterization of the Complete Mitochondrial Genome of the Cuckoo Species Clamator coromandus (Aves: Cuculidae)

## TL;DR

This study provides the first complete mitochondrial genome of the chestnut-winged cuckoo and explores its evolutionary relationships within the Cuculidae family.

## Contribution

The first complete mitochondrial genome of Clamator coromandus is sequenced and analyzed for phylogenetic and genetic insights.

## Key findings

- The mitogenome is 17,082 bp with typical Cuculidae organization and high AT content in control regions.
- Phylogenetic analysis shows C. coromandus is closer to Piaya cayana than Ceuthmochares aereus.
- Brood parasitism and parental care species show distinct genetic differences and multiple evolutionary transitions.

## Abstract

The chestnut-winged cuckoo (Clamator coromandus) is a bird species known for its brood parasitism, laying eggs in the nests of other bird species. However, there is a paucity of genetic information available for this species and their genus Clamator. In this study, we present the first complete mitochondrial genome sequence of C. coromandus and compare it with other species within the Cuculidae family. The mitogenome is a closed circular molecule consisting of 17,082 bp with an organization typical of the mitochondrial genomes of Cuculidae. Alignment of the control regions across Cuculidae species revealed substantial genetic variation and a significant abundance of AT content. A significant difference was detected in AT-skews between brood-parasitic and parental-care species. A distinctive long poly-C sequence was located at the 5′ end of domain I. Phylogenetically, C. coromandus is more closely related to Piaya cayana than Ceuthmochares aereus. The phylogenetic analysis indicated a general divergence between species with brood parasitism and those with parental care, with transitions between these behaviors within brood parasitism branches, suggesting multiple evolutionary occurrences of these traits. The complete mitogenome of C. coromandus serves as a valuable resource for further investigation into the taxonomic status and phylogenetic history of Clamator species.