Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Elanus caeruleus Desfontaines, 1789 (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae)

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Elanus caeruleus was sequenced via next-generation sequencing. The circular mitogenome is 18,898 bp in length, containing 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, a control region and a pseudo control region. The sequences (1210 bp) in the middle part of the two control regions are complete identical to each other. The gene order of the E. caeruleus mitogenome is identical to those of other Accipitridae species. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that E. caeruleus formed a basal lineage sister to other species within the Accipitridae family.