Scientists release genomes of birds representing nearly all avian families.

Since the first bird evolved more than 150 million years ago, its descendants have adapted to a vast range of ecological niches, giving rise to tiny, hovering hummingbirds, plunge-diving pelicans and showy birds-of-paradise. Today, more than 10,000 species of birds live on the planet--and now scientists are well on their way to capturing a complete genetic portrait of that diversity.