Phylogenetic Analysis of Seven Species of Pigeons and Doves (Aves: Columbiformes) Based on Mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I Sequences

This is the first study of analysing and identifying the phylogenetic relationship between migratory, resident doves and pigeon in Egypt using a molecular marker. Doves and Pigeons are the members of living family Columbidae (order: Columbiformes) having a wide range of taxonomic diversity and geographic distribution. Seven species of family Columbidae were collected via random sampling from different districts of Egypt to carry out this study. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences were used as an effective marker in this study. Phylogenetic relationships among genera of Columbidae (pigeons and doves family) have not been fully resolved because of scarce sampling of taxa and limited availability of sequence data. So, in this study, we have evaluated the efficiency of COI barcodes for species identification and phylogenetic analysis of various doves and pigeons. DNA of Columbidae species were extracted, amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and then sequenced. The results obtained from information based on COI sequences revealed that in the topological structures of the tree there are two separate genetic branches, one branch for Columba livia livia; Columba livia domestica; Streptopelia decaocto; Streptopelia roseogrisea; Streptopelia senegalensis and Streptopelia turtur and other branches for Streptopelia risoria with strong bootstrap support (99%). At the same time, Streptopelia risoria is in a separate group, with a node connected to the other studied birds and having the farthest genetic distance with the other bird species. It was concluded that, the mitochondrial gene COI can aid in the differentiation of studied species and finding genetic relationships between them.