FJELDS�, J.; RAHBEK, C.; Zoological Museum, University of Copenhagen; Zoological Museum, University of Copenhagen: Diversification of a speciose Neotropical bird group from lowlands to highlands

The process of diversification since the upper Tertiary was studied by linking together well-resolved phylogenies and species distributions for tanagers (Aves, Thraupini). Most species representing early phylogenetic branching are broadly distributed through the tropical lowlands, from rainforest to open habitats. Species representing recently radiating groups are more characteristic of montane forest, especially in the tropical Andes region. Processes of speciation, specialization to local environments and re-distribution in a changing environment are analyzed by studying relationships between horizontal and elevational distributions and phylogenetic branching patterns.