Synonym: Phalacrocoraciformes.
TaxonomySuliformes was traditionally placed in
Pelecaniformes. Recent evidence shows that the traditional
Pelecaniformes is polyphyletic. Only
Pelecanidae,
Balaenicipitidae, and
Scopidae remain in
Pelecaniformes.
Phaethontidae has since been moved to their own order
Phaethontiformes. Genetic analysis seems to show that the
Pelecaniformes is actually closely related to the
Ardeidae and
Threskiornithidae. According to Hackett loons, penguins, storks, and as well as
Suliformes and
Pelecaniformes, all seem to have evolved from a common ancestor.
FamiliesSulidaeFregatidaePhalacrocoracidaeAnhingidaeLiteratureHackett, S.J. & others; A Phylogenomic Study of Birds Reveals Their Evolutionary History;
Science 320, 1763; 2008.