The complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analyses of <i>Cathartes melambrotus</i> (Wetmore 1964) (Aves: Cathartidae)

<i>Cathartes melambrotus</i> is the largest member of the genus <i>Cathartes</i>, and soars over the forested areas of Amazonia in search of carrion. The complete mitochondrial genome of <i>C. melambrotus</i> was reported in this study. The 19,232 base pair genome consisted of 16 protein coding genes, 25 tRNAs, two rRNAs, and two control regions. The mitochondrial genome contained the avian ancestral duplicated gene region, with the same rearrangements previously reported in Accipitriformes, Cathartiformes, and Stigiformes. With the publishing of the <i>C. melambrotus</i> genome all seven Cathartiformes species mitochondrial genomes are available and can be included in subsequent phylogenetic and genomic analyses.