Norfolk Island Robin

A new split proposed here, taken from Birdforum: Kearns, Joseph, White, Austin, Baker, Driskell, Malloy & Omland (in press). Norfolk Island Robins are a distinct endangered species: ancient DNA unlocks surprising relationships and phenotypic discordance within the Australo-Pacific Robins. Conserv Genet. [abstract] Norfolk Island Robin Petroica [multicolor] multicolor (monotypic) Pacific Island Robin Petroica [multicolor] pusilla Quote: Our analyses also suggest that a case could be made for the description of the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu/Fiji/Samoa lineages of Pacific Island Robins as separate species under the same criteria. If so, Petroica pusilla Peale, 1848 has priority for the lineage in Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa. The Solomon Islands lineage, however, has three valid and available species-group epithets, each of which was erected by Mayr (1934). The epithets arepolymorpha Mayr, 1934, kulumbangrae Mayr, 1934, and septentrionalis Mayr, 1934. Under Article 24.2.1 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN (International Code of Zoological Nomenclature) 1999) we as first reviser nominate polymorpha Mayr, 1934, meaning ‘many forms’, to apply as a species rank epithet for the Solomon Islands lineage. However, this hypothesis will need to be evaluated more fully elsewhere using increased sampling of nuclear loci. At the very least, it is clear from our data that these two lineages should be recognised as distinct evolutionary significant units (ESUs) (Moritz 1994). Boles 2007 (HBW 12). [See also: Scarlet Robin / Pacific Robin.] Good to see, now for Norfolk Island Whistler Phil Gregory ornithological writer/ bird guide/ tour organizer Field Guides / Sicklebill Safaris / Cassowary House / Cassowary Tours P.O. Box 387 Kuranda QLD, 4881 Australia Phone: +61 (0)7 4093 7318 Fax: +61 (0)7 4093 9855 Email: oreornis@gmail.com Website 1: Http://www.sicklebillsafaris.com Website 2: Http://www.cassowary-house.com.au