Black-headed siskin (C. notata)
This bird is found in Middle America, Central Mexico and Nicaragua. It is observed in conifer and oak forests and lower edges of cloud forests, both in summer and in winter [⁴]. This siskin or a related ancestor was thriving on Earth about 3 million years ago (Fig. 1) and it probably is the extant ancestor of South American siskin radiation [¹¹]. Two different alleles were found in this species in 1 individual (Table 2).
Black Siskin (C. atrata)
It thrives in Andes from central Peru to western Argentina. Specifically inhabits in puna grassland, rocky slopes, crags, gullies and hillsides, both in winter and in summer [⁴]. The time of appearance on Earth of this species is approximately 500,000 years ago (Fig. 1), being part of South American siskin radiation group; its extant ancestor which gave rise to South American siskin radiation is C. notata [¹¹]. In the present work, twelve different alleles were found in 8 different individuals (Table 2).
Andean Siskin (C. spinescens)
This species lives in northern South America, mainly it is found in areas such as low bushes, forests, open hillsides, subtropical and paramo zones in scrub [⁴]. This bird appeared on Earth approximately 500,000 years ago (Fig. 1) and it is a descent of C. notata, being part of South American siskin radiation [⁸, ¹¹]. Only one allele is found in 1 individual (Table 2).
Olivaceous Siskin (C. olivacea)
This siskin lives in South America, especially in areas from Ecuador to northern Peru and Bolivia. It is observed in forest edges of the subtropical zone [⁴]. Olivaceous siskin appeared on Earth about 1.2 million years ago (Fig. 1). Two different alleles were found in 1 individual (Table 2).
Red Siskin (C. cucullata)
This bird can be found in northern Venezuela and Colombia, in forests, dry scrubs and grassy areas with scattered trees [⁴]. Red siskin belongs to South American siskin group and appeared on Earth 1 million year ago (Fig. 1, Table 2) from the common ancestor of this group of siskins, the Black-headed siskin (C. notata) or an extinct relative. Two different alleles were found in 1 individual (Table 2).
Yellow-Bellied Siskin (C. xanthogastra)
This species inhabits in Central and northern South America, mainly in tropical and subtropical forest edges and pastures [⁴]. It appeared on Earth approximately 1.2 million years ago considering our phylogenetic results shown in Fig. (1). Two different alleles were found in 1 individual in our present analyses.
Yellow-Faced Siskin (C. yarrellii)
This siskin may be observed in northern Brazil, in areas such as, lowland humid forests, woodland and edges of plantations [⁴]. It appeared on Earth 500,000 years ago being part of South American siskins (Fig. 1). Two different alleles were found in 1 individual of this species (Table 2).
Hooded Siskin (C. magellanica)
It thrives in South America. It may be observed in woods, groves or plantations, edges of cultivation, scrubs, parks and large gardens from coastal lowlands to tropical and subtropical zones [⁴]. This bird as well as Yellow-faced siskin appeared on Earth 500,000 years ago (Fig. 1). Only one allele is found in 1 individual in the present study (Table 2).