Speciation history shapes patterns of assemblage species richness in birds

Journal article

Speciation is the ultimate source of biodiversity, yet because most species arise in spatial isolation (allopatry), it remains unclear how speciation history shapes patterns of sympatric species richness. Here, we examine how the timing of past speciation events influences the maximum sympatric species richness attained across 40 families of passerine birds. Using a phylogenetic model, we infer that the average waiting time for species to assemble in sympatry is remarkably long (~8 million years), occurring over macroevolutionary timescales comparable to the pace of speciation itself. Consequently, we find that the proportion of species in sympatry varies substantially across families, peaking in ancient or small clades comprised of older species, while remaining low in large, rapidly diversifying clades. Our analysis shows that macroevolutionary delays in colonisation are sufficient for speciation history to leave an indelible legacy on present-day assemblages, challenging the view that richness is strictly limited by contemporary environmental capacity.

Authors: Reijenga, BR; Etienne, RS; Murrell, DJ; Pigot, AL

• Publication status: Accepted
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Wiley
• Journal: Ecology Letters
• Acceptance date: 2026-05-26
• EISSN: 1461-0248
• ISSN: 1461-023X
• Language: English
• Keywords: species richness; sympatry; coexistence; colonisation; ecological limits; community assembly; time-for-speciation