A robust phylogeny estimate for the family Furnariidae (sensu lato) was obtained using sequences of two nuclear introns and one mitochondrial gene (cyt b) Contrary to the widely accepted sister-group relationship of ovenbirds (Furnariinae) and woodcreepers (Dendrocolaptinae)  a basal clade is suggested for Sclerurus and Geositta  while Xenops  hitherto considered an aberrant ovenbird  was found to occupy a basal position on the woodcreeper lineage