Mitochondrial DNA based phylogeny of the woodpecker genera Colaptes and Piculus, and implications for the history of woodpecker diversification in South America

► The woodpecker genera Piculus and Colaptes (flickers) are paraphyletic. ► Three species of Piculus are reclassified as flickers. ► Earlier misclassification was based on convergent evolution of plumage traits. ► South American woodpecker genera invaded across the Isthmus of Panama from North America.