r^DS> 1°^ British Ornithologists’ Club THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM - 8 DEC 2U1I presented tring library Volume 131 No. 4 December 201 1 FORTHCOMING MEETINGS See also BOC website: http://www.boc-online.org MEETINGS are open to all, not just BOC members and are free. Evening meetings are in Tower Rooms, Section A, Sherfield Building, Imperial College, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ. The entrance is opposite the Queen's Tower in the main quadrangle. The nearest Tube station is at South Kensington. For maps, see: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/campusinfo/southkensington 27 March 2012 at 6.00 pm — Julian Greenwood— A long-term study of the Black Guillemot colony at Bangor, Co. Down Abstract: The talk will look at the history of Black Guillemots Cepphus grylle nesting in Bangor, Co. Down, and the patterns revealed by this long-term study. Results demonstrate that an advance in timing of breeding is associated with temperature rise in seawater and hence can be related to climate change. Evidence is also gathering to show that Black Guillemots don't always play 'happy families', with both site and mate unfaithfulness occurring. Ringing recoveries have revealed the dispersal patterns of young birds around the Irish coastline. Biography : Julian Greenwood is co-ordinator of science with education at Stranmillis University College, Belfast, teaching on BEd, PGCE, MEd and lifelong-learning programmes. He has had a lifelong interest in natural history, particularly birds, and for over 25 years has been working on Black Guillemots in Northern Ireland. He presently serves on RSPB Council. The evening will commence with the talk beginning at 6.00 pm. After the talk the cash bar will open so that attendees can socialise. At approximately 7.30 there will be a light buffet supper (sandwiches etc.) costing £15 per person for those who have ordered it at least two weeks in advance. Vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available for those who have requested them when booking. Those wishing to order the buffet supper should apply to the Chairman (address below) by 13 March 2012. There is no charge to attend the talk but to comply with Imperial College requirements those wishing to attend must notify the Chairman no later than Monday 26 March 2012. 12 June 2012 at 5.15 pm — Annual General Meeting; 5.40 pm — Special General Meeting 6.00 pm short talks— if you wish to give a talk, which should last 10-15 minutes, please send details to Robert Prys-Jones (e-mail: r.prys-jones@nhm.ac.uk) no later than 15 January 2012. Those wishing to order the buffet supper should apply to the Chairman (address below) by 29 May 2012 To comply with Imperial College Requirements, those wishing to attend the talks must notify the Chairman no later than Monday 11 June 2012. 18 September— details to be announced Ihose wishing to order the buffet supper should apply to the Chairman (address below) by 4 September 2012. I o comply with Imperial College requirements, those wishing to attend the talk must notify the Chairman no later than Monday 17 September 2012. The Chairman: Helen Baker, 60 Townfield, Rickmansworth, Herts. WD3 7DD, UK. Tel. +44 (0)1923 772441. E-mail: helen.baker60@tiscali.co.uk Club Announcements 225 THE NATI HISTORY M O.C. 2 311 131(4) 8 DEC 2011 PRESENTED trinc Bulletin of the BRITISH ORNITHOLdGl^f^etLUB Vol. 131 No. 4 Published 6 December 2011 CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS Chairman's message The Club's current Rules, which date from 2000, need updating. Rule 40 permits us to do this. The Charity Commission produced a new model constitution for Charitable Associations in November 2007 and the new draft Rules, based on that model, appear below. Rule 26 permits the Club to make Bye-laws which can be amended at an AGM and which do not need to be approved by the Charity Commission. We have made use of this provision. The draft Rules and Bye-laws will be the subject of a Special General meeting which will follow the AGM on 12 June 2012. If adopted, the Rules will then be submitted to the Charity Commission for approval. Helen Baker The following is the full text of the Rules which the Club proposes to adopt. RULES OF THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS' CLUB (Registered Charity No 279583) ('the Club') Adopted on the PART 1 1. Adoption of the Rules The Club will be administered and managed in accordance with the provisions in parts 1 and 2 of these Rules. 2. The Name The Club's name is the British Ornithologists' Club. 3. The Objects The Club's objects are to promote scientific discussion between members and others interested in ornithology and to facilitate the dissemination of scientific information concerned with ornithology. The Club shall maintain its special interest in avian systematics, taxonomy and distribution. 4. Application of the Income and Property (1) The income and property of the Club shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the Objects. (2) A Trustee may pay out of, or be reimbursed from, the property of the Club reasonable expenses properly incurred by him or her when acting on behalf of the Club. (3) None of the income or property of the Club may be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend, bonus or otherwise by way of profit to any member of the Club. This does not prevent: (a) a member who is not also a Trustee from receiving reasonable and proper remuneration for any goods or services supplied to the Club; (b) a Trustee from buying goods or services from the Club upon the same terms as other members or members of the public; (c) the purchase of indemnity insurance for the Trustees against any liability that by virtue of any rule of law would otherwise attach to a Trustee or other officer in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust of which he or she may be guilty in relation to the Club but excluding: i. fines; ii. costs of unsuccessfully defending criminal prosecutions for offences arising out of fraud, dishonesty or wilful or reckless misconduct of the Trustee or other officer; iii. liabilities to the Club that result from conduct that the Trustee or other officer knew or ought to have known was not in the best interests of the Club or in respect of which the person concerned did not care whether that conduct was in the best interests of the Club or not. Club Announcements 226 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) (4) No Trustee may be paid or receive any other benefit for being a Trustee. (5) In this Clause 4, 'Trustee' shall include any person, firm or company connected with the Trustee. 5. Dissolution (1) If the members resolve to dissolve the Club the Trustees will remain in office as Club Trustees and be responsible for winding up the affairs of the Club in accordance with this clause. (2) The Trustees must collect in all the assets of the Club and must pay or make provision for all the liabilities of the Club. (3) The Trustees must apply any remaining property or money: (a) directly for the Objects; (b) by transfer to any Charity or charities for purposes the same as or similar to those of the Club; (c) in such other manner as the Charity Commission for England and Wales ('the Commission') may approve in writing in advance. (4) The members may pass a resolution before or at the same time as the resolution dissolving the Club specifying the manner in which the Trustees are to apply the remaining property or assets of the Club and the Trustees must comply with the resolution if it is consistent with paragraphs (a)-(c) inclusive in sub-clause (3) above. (5) In no circumstances shall the net assets of the Club be paid to or distributed amongst the members of the Club. (6) The Trustees must notify the Commission promptly that the Club has been dissolved. If the Trustees are obliged to send the Club's accounts to the Commission for the accounting period which ended before its dissolution, they must send the Commission the Club's final accounts. 6. Amendments (1) The Club may amend any provision in Part 1 of these Rules provided that: (a) no amendment may be made that would have the effect of making the Club cease to be a Charity at law; (b) no amendment may be made to alter the Objects if the change would not be within the reasonable contemplation of the members or donors of the Club; (c) no amendment may be made to clause 4 without the prior written consent of the Commission; (d) any resolution to amend a provision of Part 1 of these Rules is passed by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting at a general meeting. (2) Any provision contained in Part 2 of these Rules may be amended, provided that any such amendment is made by resolution passed by a simple majority of members present and voting at a general meeting. (3) A copy of any resolution amending these Rules shall be sent to the Commission within 21 days of its being passed. PART 2 7. Membership (1) Membership is open to individuals over 18 who are approved by the Trustees; (2) An individual may become a member on payment of the appropriate annual subscription and subject to confirmation by the Trustees at their next meeting. (3) Membership is not transferable to anyone else. (4) The Trustees must keep a register of names and addresses of the members which must be made available to any member upon request. 8. Termination of Membership ( 1 ) Membership is terminated if: (a) the member dies; (b) the member resigns by written notice to the Club unless, after the resignation, there would be fewer than two members; (c) the member is removed from membership by a resolution of the Trustees that it is in the best interests of the Club that his or her membership is terminated. A resolution to remove a member from membership may only be passed if: (d) the member has been given at least 21 days' notice in writing of the meeting of the Trustees at which the resolution will be proposed and the reasons why it is proposed; (e) the member or, at the option of the member, the member's representative (who need not be a member of the Club) has been allowed to make representations to the meeting. (2) The I rustees shall be entitled to terminate the membership of any member whose subscription has not been paid within six months of falling due, provided that such member has been given written notice calling for payment of the subscription, and that the notice has not been complied with within one month of its date. Club Announcements 227 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) 9. General Meetings (1) An Annual General Meeting must be held not later than 30 June every year on a date to be fixed by the Trustees. (2) All general meetings other than Annual General Meetings shall be called Special General Meetings. (3) The Trustees may call a Special General Meeting at any time. (4) The Trustees must call a Special General Meeting if requested to do so in writing by at least ten members or one-tenth of the membership, whichever is the greater. The request must state the nature of the business that is to be discussed. If the Trustees fail to hold the meeting within 28 days of the request, the members may proceed to call a special general meeting but in doing so must comply with the provisions of these Rules. 10. Notice (1) The minimum period of notice required to hold any general meeting of the Club is 21 clear days from the date on which the notice is deemed to have been given. (2) The notice must specify the date, time and place of the meeting and the general nature of the business to be transacted. If the meeting is to be an Annual General Meeting, the notice must say so. (3) The notice must be given to all members and to the Trustees. 11. Quorum (1) No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum is present. (2) A quorum is ten members entitled to vote upon the business to be conducted at the meeting. (3) If no quorum is present at the meeting within 15 minutes of the time specified for the start of the meeting the members present at that time shall constitute the quorum for that meeting. 12. Chair (1) General meetings shall be chaired by the person who has been elected as Chair. (2) If there is no such person or he or she is not present within 15 minutes of the time appointed meeting it shall be chaired by the person who has been elected as Vice-Chair. (3) If there is no such person or he or she is not present within 15 minutes of the time appointed meeting, a Trustee nominated by the Trustees shall chair the meeting. (4) If there is only one Trustee present and willing to act, he or she shall chair the meeting. (5) If no Trustee is present and willing to chair the meeting within 15 minutes after the time appointed for holding it, the members present and entitled to vote must choose one of their number to chair the meeting. 13. Votes (1) Each member shall have one vote but if there is an equality of votes the person who is chairing the meeting shall have a casting vote in addition to any other vote he or she may have. (2) A resolution in writing signed by each member who would have been entitled to vote upon it had it been proposed at a general meeting shall be effective. It may comprise several copies each signed by one or more members. 14. Officers and Trustees (1) The Club and its property shall be managed and administered by a committee comprising the Officers and other members elected in accordance with these Rules. The Officers and other members of the committee shall be the Trustees of the Club and in these Rules are together called 'the Trustees'. (2) The Club shall have the following Officers: • A Chair • A Vice-Chair • An Honorary Secretary • An Honorary Treasurer. (3) A Trustee must be a member of the Club. (4) No one may be appointed a Trustee if he or she would be disqualified from acting under the provisions of Rule 17. (5) In addition to the four Officers there shall be not less than three and not more than five other Trustees. (6) A Trustee may not appoint anyone to act on his or her behalf at meetings of the Trustees. 15. The Appointment of Trustees (1) The Club in general meeting shall elect the Officers and the other Trustees. (2) The Trustees may nominate any person who is willing to act as a Trustee. Subject to sub-clause (5)(b) of this rule, they may also nominate Trustees to act as officers. (3) Any member wishing to nominate a candidate shall forward the nomination to the Honorary Secretary in writing signed by the nominating Member and five other members, with confirmation that the candidate has agreed to be nominated. To be valid, such a nomination shall reach the Honorary Secretary no later than 31 January preceding the Annual General Meeting. for the for the Club Announcements 228 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) (4) Each Trustee shall retire with effect from the conclusion of the fourth Annual General Meeting after his or her appointment and with the exception of the Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer, shall not be eligible for re-election to the same office or position at that Annual General Meeting. (a) (The election of a Trustee must not cause the number of Trustees to exceed the number fixed by rule 14(5) above. (b) The Trustees may not appoint a person to be an Officer if a person has already been elected or appointed to that office and has not vacated the office. (6) The Trustees may co-opt a Member ('the Co-opted Member') to act as an Officer or other Trustee to fill temporarily, until the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting, any vacancy that may occur. No more than three Co-opted Trustees are permitted at any one time. 16. Powers of Trustees (1) The Trustees must manage the business of the Club and have the following powers in order to further the Objects (but not for any other purpose): (a) to raise funds. In doing so, the Trustees must not undertake any substantial permanent trading activity and must comply with any relevant statutory regulations; (b) to buy, take on lease or exchange, hire or otherwise acquire any property and to maintain and equip it for use; (c) to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the property belonging to the Club. In exercising this power, the Trustees must comply as appropriate with sections 36 and 37 of the Charities Act 1993, as amended by the Charities Act 2006; (d) to borrow money and to charge the whole or any part of the property belonging to the Club as security for repayment of the money borrowed. The Trustees must comply as appropriate with sections 38 and 39 of the Charities Act 1993, as amended by the Charities Act 2006, if they intend to mortgage land; (e) to co-operate with other charities, voluntary bodies and statutory authorities and to exchange information and advice with them; (f) to establish or support any charitable trusts, associations or institutions formed for any of the charitable purposes included in the Objects; (g) to acquire, merge with or enter into any partnership or joint venture arrangement with any other Charity formed for any of the Objects; (h) to set aside income as a reserve against future expenditure but only in accordance with a written policy about reserves; (i) to obtain and pay for such goods and services as are necessary for carrying out the work of the Club; (j) to open and operate such bank and other accounts as the Trustees consider necessary and to invest funds and to delegate the management of funds in the same manner and subject to the same conditions as the Trustees of a trust are permitted to do by the Trustee Act 2000; (k) to do all such other lawful things as are necessary for the achievement of the Objects. (2) No alteration of these Rules or any special resolution shall have retrospective effect to invalidate any prior act of the Trustees, nor shall these Rules have retrospective effect or invalidate any act of the Trustees under previous Rules of the Club. (3) Any meeting of Trustees at which a quorum is present at the time the relevant decision is made may exercise all the powers exercisable by the Trustees. 17. Disqualification and Removal of Trustees A Trustee shall cease to hold office if he or she: (1) is disqualified for acting as a Trustee by virtue of section 72 of the Charities Act 1993 (or any statutory re-enactment or modification of that provision); (2) ceases to be a member of the Club; (3) becomes incapable by reason of mental disorder, illness or injury of managing and administering his or her own affairs; (4) resigns as a Trustee by notice to the Club (but only if at least two Trustees will remain in office when the notice of resignation is to take effect); or (5) is absent without permission of the Trustees from all their meetings held within a period of six consecutive months and the Trustees resolve that his or her office be vacated. 18. Proceedings of Trustees ( 1) I he I rustees may regulate their proceedings as they think fit, subject to the provisions of these Rules. (2) Any I rustee may call a meeting of the Trustees. (3) I he Honorary Secretary must call a meeting of the Trustees if requested to do so by a Trustee. (4) Questions arising at a meeting must be decided by a majority of votes. (3) In the case of an equality of votes, the person who chairs the meeting shall have a second or casting vote. (6) No decision may be made by a meeting of the Trustees unless a quorum is present at the time that the decision is purported to be made. Club Announcements 229 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) (7) The quorum shall be four. (8) A Trustee shall not be counted in the quorum present when any decision is made about a matter upon which that Trustee is not entitled to vote. (9) If the number of Trustees is less than the number fixed as the quorum, the continuing Trustees or Trustee may act only for the purpose of filling vacancies or of calling a general meeting. (10) The person elected as the Chair shall chair meetings of the Trustees. (11) If the Chair is unwilling to preside or is not present within ten minutes after the time appointed for the meeting, the Vice-Chair shall chair the meeting. If the Vice-Chair is also unwilling to preside or is not present, the Trustees present may appoint one of their number to chair that meeting. (12) The person appointed to chair the meetings of the Trustees shall have no function or powers except those conferred by this constitution or delegated to him or her in writing by the Trustees. (13) A Trustee taking part in the meeting via telephone conference, Skype or other electronic means shall be deemed to be present at the meeting. (14) In between Committee meetings, the Trustees may discuss matters by e-mail and, provided there is a consensus, valid and effectual decisions may be taken. 19. Irregularities in Proceedings (1) Subject to sub-clause (2) of this clause, all acts done by a meeting of Trustees shall be valid notwithstanding the participation in any vote of a Trustee: • who was disqualified from holding office; • who had previously retired or who had been obliged by the constitution to vacate office; • who was not entitled to vote on the matter, whether by reason of a conflict of interest or otherwise; • if, without: • the vote of that Trustee; and • that Trustee being counted in the quorum, • the decision has been made by a majority of the Trustees at a quorate meeting. (2) Sub-clause (1) of this clause does not permit a Trustee to keep any benefit that may be conferred upon him or her by a resolution of the Trustees if the resolution would otherwise have been void. (3) No resolution or act of (a) the Trustees (b) the Club in general meeting shall be invalidated by reason of the failure to give notice to any Trustee or member or by reason of any procedural defect in the meeting unless it is shown that the failure or defect has materially prejudiced a member or the beneficiaries of the Club. 20. Minutes The Trustees must keep minutes of all: (1) appointments of Officers and Trustees made by the Trustees; (2) proceedings at meetings of the Club; (3) meetings of the Trustees including: • the names of the Trustees present at the meeting; • the decisions made at the meetings; and • where appropriate the reasons for the decisions. 21. Annual Report and Return and Accounts (1) The Trustees must comply with their obligations under the Charities Act 1993 with regard to: (a) the keeping of accounting records for the Club; (b) the preparation of annual statements of account for the Club; (c) the transmission of the statements of account to the Commission; (d) the preparation of an Annual Report and its transmission to the Commission; (e) the preparation of an Annual Return and its transmission to the Commission. (6) Accounts must be prepared in accordance with the provisions of any Statement of Recommended Practice issued by the Commission, unless the Trustees are required to prepare accounts in accordance with the provisions of such a Statement prepared by another body. 22. Registered Particulars The Trustees must notify the Commission promptly of any changes to the Club's entry on the Central Register of Charities. 23. Property (1) The Trustees must ensure the title to: (a) all land held by or in trust for the Club that is not vested in the Official Custodian of Charities; and (b) all investments held by or on behalf of the Club, is vested either in a corporation entitled to act as custodian Trustee or in no fewer than three individuals appointed by them as holding Trustees. Club Announcements 230 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) (2) The terms of the appointment of any holding Trustees must provide that they may act only in accordance with lawful directions of the Trustees and if they do so they will not be liable for the acts and defaults of the Trustees or of members of the Club. (3) The Trustees may remove the holding Trustees at any time. 24. Insurance The Trustees must insure suitably in respect of public liability. 25. Notices (1) Any notice required by these Rules to be given to or by any person must be: (a) in writing; or (b) given using electronic communications. (2) The Club may give any notice to a member either: (a) personally; or (b) by sending it by post in a prepaid envelope addressed to the member at his or her address; or (c) by leaving it at the address of the member; or (d) by giving it using electronic communications to the member's address. (3) A member who does not register an address with the Club or who registers only a postal address that is not in the United Kingdom shall not be entitled to receive any notice from the Club. (4) A member present in person at any meeting of the Club shall be deemed to have received notice of the meeting and of the purposes for which it was called. (5) (a) Proof that an envelope containing a notice was properly addressed, prepaid and posted shall be conclusive evidence that the notice was given. (b) Proof that a notice contained in an electronic communication was sent in accordance with guidance issued by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators shall be conclusive evidence that the notice was given. (c) A notice shall be deemed to be given 48 hours after the envelope containing it was posted or, in the case of an electronic communication, 48 hours after it was sent. 26. Bye-laws (1) The Trustees may from time to time make bye-laws for the conduct of their business. (2) The bye-laws may regulate the following matters but are not restricted to them: (a) the admission of members to the Club and the rights and privileges of such members, and the entrance fees, subscriptions and other fees or payments to be made by members; (b) the procedure at general meetings and meetings of the Trustees in so far as such procedure is not regulated by these Rules; (c) the keeping and authenticating of records. If the bye-laws made under this Rule permit records of the Club to be kept in electronic form and require a Trustee to sign the record, the bye-law must specify a method of recording the signature that enables it to be properly authenticated; (d) generally all such matters as are commonly the subject matter of the rules of an unincorporated association. (3) The Club in general meeting has the power to alter, add to or repeal the bye-laws. (4) The Trustees must adopt such means as they think sufficient to bring the bye-laws to the notice of members of the Club. (5) The bye-laws shall be binding on all members of the Club. No bye-law shall be inconsistent with, or shall affect or repeal anything contained in, these Rules. The following is the full text of the Bye-laws which the Club proposes to adopt. BYE-LAWS OF THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS' CLUB (Registered Charity No 279583) ('the Club ) Adopted on the these Bye-laws are made under Rule 26 of the Club Rules and must be read in conjunction with those Rules. PART 1 Amendments 1. Proposed changes to the Rules, or any part thereof, shall be set out in a resolution which shall be sent to all Members either by notice in the Bulletin or by separate mailing, together with details of the Agenda, at least three months before the date of the general meeting at which the resolution is to be decided. Club Announcements 231 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) PART 2 General Meetings 2. The names of people nominated by the Trustees or Members of the Club under Rule 15(2) and (3) to be Officers and other Trustees shall be circulated to the membership at least 21 days before the relevant Annual General Meeting. 3. At the Annual General Meeting the business to be transacted shall comprise: (a) receiving and considering the Chairman's Review, the Trustees' Report and the Accounts for the preceding calendar year; (b) the regulation of matters having reference to the Bulletin; (c) the election of Officers and other Trustees; (d) any other business of which notice in writing shall have been given to the Honorary Secretary not less than 14 days before the meeting. 4. At a Special General Meeting no business may be transacted other than the business for which the meeting was called. Powers of Trustees (5) The Trustees may appoint additional sub-committees, ex-officio officers and members to advise on and administer specific activities of the Club. While these appointees may advise the Trustees, executive authority rests with the Trustees. (6) The Trustees may appoint members (who may or may not be Trustees of the Club) to represent the Club on any Joint Committee set up in partnership with another Charity. (7) The Trustees shall appoint an Editor of the Bulletin for a term not exceeding four years. The editor shall be eligible for re-appointment. (8) The Trustees shall determine the annual subscription rate to be paid by members and review it annually. (9) The Trustees shall determine the annual subscription to be paid by institutions and other organisations ('Institutional Subscribers') wishing to receive the Bulletin and review it annually. (10) The annual subscriptions of Members and Institutional Subscribers shall be due for payment on 1 January in every year. (11) When a member, who is not an Officer or other Trustee, has rendered or is rendering the Club any services, the Trustees may, if it is deemed appropriate, waive the subscription due from that member for any year or years. Proceedings of Trustees (12) The Editor of the Bulletin, Chairman and Members of any Sub-Committees of the Club and all ex-officio officers or members may attend meetings of the Trustees, by invitation of the Chairman or any of the Trustees, but without the right to vote on any issue. The Bulletin (13) The Club shall aim to publish a journal under the title of the 'Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club' four times a year. (14) One copy shall be distributed gratis to every member and Institutional subscriber who has paid the appropriate current annual subscription. (15) The Editor may receive an annual honorarium for such work, which shall be determined by the Trustees from time to time. (16) The Editor may offer advice to the Trustees on all editorial matters but executive authority rests with the Trustees. (17) No communication, the whole or any part of which has already been published elsewhere, shall be eligible for publication in the Bulletin, except at the discretion of the Editor. Complaints (18) A member wishing to complain of the manner in which affairs of the Club are conducted must communicate the complaint in writing to the Chairman or Honorary Secretary who will raise the complaint as soon as practicable at a meeting of the Trustees for a decision or, if the recipient of the complaint considers the matter of urgency, will call a meeting of the Trustees specially to consider it. (19) The decision of the Trustees shall be communicated to the Member by the Honorary Secretary within 21 days of the relevant meeting. Club Announcements 232 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING A Special General Meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club will be held in Room SALC3, Sherfield Building, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ at 5.40pm on Tuesday 12 June 2012. AGENDA 1. Special resolution to propose the adoption of the new Rules for the Club in accordance with the draft special resolution attached. 2. Subject to the adoption of the new Rules the adoption of the Bye-Laws made under Rule 26 of the new Rules. No other business will be conducted at this meeting. British Ornithologists Club Charity Number 279583 ('the Club') SPECIAL RESOLUTION In accordance with Rule 40 of the Rules of the Club which were approved by the Special General Meeting of the Club on 31 October 2000 the Committee of the Club having published the proposed changes to the Rules of the Club in the Bulletin together with the details of the agenda for the Special General Meeting at least three months prior to today's date and the Committee being satisfied that the proposed changes to the Rules would not have the effect of making the Club cease to be a charity at law IT WAS RESOLVED by the members at the Special General Meeting held on today's date as follows: 1. That the Rules of the Club be amended and adopted in accordance with the draft annexed hereto pursuant to Rule 40 of current Rules of the Club and the new rules shall operate until further amendment. 2. That the Committee shall forthwith notify the Charity Commission of the changes in accordance with the current procedure set down by the Charity Commission. Dated the day of 2012 Honorary Secretary Members who wish to vote for or against the adoption of the new Rules and Bye-laws, but who will be unable to attend the SGM, may vote by post or by e-mail. Letters or e-mails must reach the Honorary Secretary (contact details on the inside of the back cover) no later than 9June 2012. Please address any queries on the proposed Rules or Bye-laws to the Chairman (see contact details on the inside front cover). The 967th meeting of the Club was held on Tuesday 11 October 2011 in the Sherfield Building, Imperial College, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ. Fifteen members and 11 non-members were present. Members attending were: Miss H. BAKER (Chairman), Cdr. M. B. CASEMENT, RN, D. I. FISHER, F. M. GAUNTLETT, A. GIBBS, Revd. T. W. GLADWIN, K. HERON JONES, Dr J. P. HUME, R. R. LANGLEY, D. J. MONTIER, R. C. PRICE, Dr R. P. PRYS-JONES, P. RUDGE, S. A. H. STATHAM and C. W. R. STOREY. Guests attending were: Ms R. BRISTOL (Speaker), Ms M. DAVIES, Ms K. DUKE, Mrs M. H. GAUNTLETT, Mrs J. GLADWIN, Mrs J. HERON JONES, Mrs A. J. McDONALD, Mrs M. MONTIER, T. TROMBONE, Dr J. VERHELST and Ms S. WALSH. Rachel Bristol spoke on the subject of Back from the brink: translocation of threatened endemic birds in the Seychelles. The main threats to Seychelles endemic birds are habitat loss and introduced predators, particularly cats and rats, which have occurred since human colonisation of the Seychelles began in the 1770s. The majority of the original forest cover was rapidly removed for plantation agriculture, predominantly coconuts in coastal plateau areas and cinnamon in the mountains, and rats and cats quickly spread to most islands. As a result, several species became extinct, including Seychelles Parakeet Psittacula wardi and Seychelles Chestnut-flanked White-eye Z osterops semiflavus, while others came perilously close. Seychelles Magpie-Robin Copsychus sechellarum was originally resident on most, if not all, the granitic islands, but was lost from all except Fregate (219 ha), where a tiny population of 11-30 individuals clung on for r.40 years until a recovery programme was instigated in 1990. Seychelles Warbler Acrocephalus sechellensis was reduced to a tiny population of 28-30 individuals on Cousin (26 ha) and Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone corvina became extinct on all islands except La Digue. Club Announcements 233 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) To increase the numbers, range and survival prospects of five of the eight Seychelles threatened endemic birds, translocations (reintroductions and conservation introductions) have been used in tandem with habitat rehabilitation to create additional island populations of these birds. Due largely to translocations, we now have over 200 Seychelles Magpie-Robins on five islands, >3,000 Seychelles Warblers on four islands, Seychelles White-eyes Zosterops modestus on five islands, Seychelles Fodies Foudia sechellarum on five islands and Seychelles Paradise Flycatchers now have a second population on Denis. After some initial translocation failures in the 1970s and 80s, translocation methods have been continually refined and Seychelles now achieves consistent translocation success. Keys to success have been: ensuring all of the species' habitat requirements are provided in the new environment (for example, habitat rehabilitation prior to release, predator management, provision of nest boxes and supplementary food), translocating only wild birds and tailoring the release methods to the species. In addition, intensive post-release monitoring is always undertaken to monitor survival and breeding of the released individuals, and also to detect any problems so that mitigation actions can be undertaken if necessary. REFEREES I am grateful to the following, who have reviewed manuscripts submitted to the Bulletin during the last year (those who refereed more than one manuscript are denoted by an asterisk in parentheses): Bud Anderson, John Bates, Bruce Beehler (*), Chris Bradshaw, Murray Bruce, Donald Buden, Peter Castell, Jaime Chaves, Santiago Claramunt, Andrea Corso, Kevin Clark, William S. Clark, Martin Collinson (*), Sidnei M. Dantas, Richard Dean, Ron Demey (*), Edward C. Dickinson (*), Robert J. Dowsett (*), Frangoise Dowsett- Lemaire, Guy Dutson, Chris Feare, Clemency T. Fisher, Juan F. Freile, Errol Fuller, Harold Greeney (*), Paul Greenfield, Steven M. S. Gregory (*), Paul Isenmann, Morton L. Isler, Niels Krabbe, Daniel F. Lane, Mary LeCroy (*), Jeremy Lindsell (*), Huw Lloyd, Michel Louette, Urban Olsson, Byron Palacios, David Parkin, Jose Fernando Pacheco (*), Marcos Persio, Alan Peterson, Robert Prys-Jones (*), Hugo Rainey, Van Remsen, Frank Rheindt, Eleanor Rowley, Roger Safford, Paul Salaman, Richard Schodde (*), Thomas S. Schulenberg, Sergio Seipke, Weber Silva, Adrian Skerrett, Frank Steinheimer (*), Lars Svensson (*), David R. Wells, Clayton White, Gary Wiles, and Kevin J. Zimmer.— The Hon. Editor Marcelo da Silva et al. 234 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) New sites and range extensions for endemic and endangered birds in extreme north-east Brazil by Marcelo da Silva, Bruno Rodrigo de Albuquerque Franga, Luiz Yoshihiro Garcia de Lima Hagi, Miguel Rocha Neto, Damido Valdenor de Oliveira & Mauro Pichorim Received 16 March 2010; final revision accepted 29 September 2011 Summary. — Between 1998 and 2011 we surveyed diverse localities within the Atlantic Forest and Caatinga biomes in the north-east Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte, registering the presence of Ochraceous Piculet Picumnus limae, Silvery- cheeked Antshrike Sakesphorus cristatus and Yellow-faced Siskin Sporagra yarrellii, none of which had definitely been recorded previously in the state. We also present new records of Tawny Piculet Picumnus fulvescens, expanding our knowledge of the species' distribution. In north-east Brazil, the state of Rio Grande do Norte is one of the least visited by naturalists and museum expeditions (Olmos 2003, Pacheco 2004). Information on its avifauna is limited to the historical records of Marcgrave (1942), several recent inventories (e.g., Nascimento 2000, Larrazabal et al. 2002, Olmos 2003, Azevedo Junior et al. 2004) and the contributions of Sick (1991), Teixeira et al. (1993), Praxedes et al. (1997), Varela-Freire (1997), Varela-Freire & Araujo (1997), Medeiros et al. (2000), Whitney et al. (2000) and Silveira et al. (2003). Despite our lack of knowledge of the state's avifauna, some areas within the Atlantic Forest, Caatinga and littoral are considered priorities for biodiversity conservation (Conservation International 2000, Larrazabal et al. 2002, MMA 2002, Bencke & Mauricio 2006). Flere we present new data on species considered to be rare, threatened or endemic. TAWNY PICULET Picumnus fulvescens Considered Near Threatened (BirdLife International 2011b), P. fulvescens is confined to north-east Brazil (Sick 1997), where it is widespread from eastern Piaui and southern Ceara to Paraiba, Pernambuco, Alagoas and Sergipe (BirdLife International 2011b, Ruiz-Esparza et al. 2011). It was first recorded in Rio Grande do Norte at Serido Ecological Station, in the Serra Negra do Norte (Nascimento 2000). We found this piculet to be widespread in the Atlantic Forest of Rio Grande do Norte and the south-central caatinga belt (Fig. 1, Table 1). On the east coast it occurs from Baia Formosa and Canguaretama, in the far south of the state, north to Parnamirim and Natal (Fig. 1), and we have also observed the species in deciduous forest at the ecotone between Atlantic Forest and caatinga. P. fulvescens is rather catholic in its habitat requirements, being found in caatinga, deciduous forest, semi- deciduous forest, and coastal savanna and scrub (Table 1). It is also found in small forest fragments and in regenerating areas, including at forest borders. OCHRACEOUS PICULET Picumnus limae Endemic to north-east Brazil and considered threatened (MMA 2003). In Ceara, until recently it was known only from the uplands of Maranguape, Aratanha and Baturite, but the species has since been found across almost the entire state (Girao et al. 2007). It also occurs in forest islands (known locally as brejos de altitude) on the slopes of residual plateaux Marcelo da Silva et al. 235 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Figure 1. Locations of records of endemic and / or endangered birds in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. 1. Dunas do Rosado, Porto do Mangue, 2. Soledade, Macau, 3. Ponta do Tubarao Sustainable Development Reserve, Macau, 4. Petrochemical Petrobras, Guamare, 5. Lagoa Queimado, Pendencias, 6. Petrochemical plant, Alto do Rodrigues, 7. Landfill, Ceara Mirim, 8. UFRN campus, Natal, 9. Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuaria do Rio Grande do Norte (EMPARN), Parnamirim, 10. Olho D'agua, Macaiba, 11. Golani, Nizia Floresta, 12. Fazenda Bom Jardim, Goianinha, 13. Mata Paraiba, Canguaretama, 14. Vale do Catu, Canguaretama, 15. Mata Bela, Baia Formosa, 16. Mata Dan^arino, Baia Formosa, 17. Mata Estrela RPPN, Baia Formosa, 18. Piquiri Una APA, Espirito Santo, 19. Serra do Formigueiro, Barcelona, 20. Fazenda Malhada Vermelha, Parelhas, 21. Serido Ecological Station, Serra Negra do Norte, 22. Pimenteira, Serra de Santana, Santana do Matos, 23. BR 226, Florania, 24. Oiteiro, Campo Grande, 25. Mata Sr. Clezinho, Martins, 26. Serra de Sao Jose, Luis Gomes. in the caatinga of Pernambuco (Roda 2002). Varela-Freire & Araujo (1997) mentioned, without details, the presence of P. limae in the interior of Rio Grande do Norte, around Serido. We observed this species in the south-centre, far west and along the north coast of the state (Fig. 1, Table 1), mainly in areas of caatinga, except in the west, where it was found in forest islands atop mountains (Table 1). Our surveys found P. limae and P. fulvescens syntopically only at Serido Ecological Station, in the Serra Negra do Norte. However, in southern Ceara, Olmos et al. (2005) found individuals of P. limae resembling P. fulvescens, suggesting they could be conspecific. P. limae generally occurs in secondary forest and near areas destroyed by monocultures, especially in the Serra do Martins, where the natural vegetation has been mainly replaced by cashew Anacardium occidental plantations, and the Serra Santana do Matos. In the north of the state P. limae has been recorded in fragmented caatingas, primarily modified by oil drilling, farming and urban growth, further confirming that the species can adapt to habitat change. SILVERY-CHEEKED ANTSHRIKE Sakesphorus cristatus Found from Piaui to Ceara, Paraiba, Pernambuco, and from Bahia to central Minas Gerais (Zimmer & Isler 2003, Marini & Lopes 2005). We recorded S. cristatus in caatinga in the Marcelo da Silva et al. 236 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) ro "O 2 E £ H TO 2 . 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OC vO" .too c75 < U 03 Cu 04 > a» cn LO oJ-g 8 S CN cn ^ o JS ^ c *r o L 04 cN G r> „ § £ S 2 8 a ON ^ ° CN LJ CN O o CN ID O LO o IN CO O T3 bJD 04 z a» 60 o is $2 T3 S— o u a» c o r“ bp CO < U "D C 03 03 CL CD 5 O ON o o CN o o IN ^ (N CO p CO CO o ^ o o nO nO O CO C 03 C rz CO 03 G o c co CO 04 X5 C C E o £ £ o 2 '■E o CO XJ X3 O u 04 i— c bp CO < U 03 CL 04 > 04 CO ON o o CN I IN LO nO ON to CN o IN CO 04 "O i 03 v- u o CL E 03 u 3 03 X3 C 03 JS bO PL CO 03 CL o £ H nO Q a CN -C u ON tN nO CN LO i— i CO NO O LO o o NO IN o co G 3 V- 03 s N JD u co o 03 CN X3 s- O u 04 Px CO NO o o CN 04 C 3 LO CO CO ON LO r—> CN 04 E o U o »03 CO 04 XJ X G £l V) •2 CO biD C XJ c 3 o co < U ■b CN NO o o CN i— 04 -O E 04 C4 04 Q ON CN CN O CN nO ON CN LO LO o o ^ NO o co 04 3. c 03 o -a o C- o XJ 03 cn O 0C O XJ cn ffl c CO CN - z XJ rs 2i £ 'cn JD O ^ 04 _ XJ £ cn -1- c -g c -E •§ 8 04 cn ^ bJD O -o c 03 ^ £ e*‘S 03 1— bJD z — _ O E 5 2 D o ■£ O £.e^ < u CN -n G 03 *b CN IN O 8 b 03 G G 03 bo o Cl -a c 03 bO _G *3 o u XJ c 3 o co < U ^ O O u. E ^ ^ *03 Gx H H Cl- io O o CN >- 04 ^ x» o G O a> p < ^ ON i— i CN 7 ob On CN GO NO co 3 S o o NO NO O CO 03 CL £ 04 E U. 04 > 03 X5 03 X5 C 04 N 03 tN nO" CN JZ bJD < U 03 CL 03 T3 G 03 ON O O CN 03 3 L X4 04 PL 7 b 03 3 C 03 ON CN o o IN CO 5 ^ Os| p p CO CO o ^ o o NO NO O CO O xs 03 c 03 03 G 03 c 03 CO 04 XJ 04 C cn 04 O E 03 £ 5 be o SL co UFRN campus. Natal 05°50'29"S, June 1998 One AA Sight-only record 35°1'09"W; 48 m BR 226, Florania 06o05'H''S, 3 June 2006 1? CA Sound-recording and photograph 36°56'07"W; 136 m (WA295444) Marcelo da Silva et al. 239 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) hinterland at altitudes of 360-700 m and on the north coast at c.100 m. Although expected to occur in Rio Grande do Norte, ours are the first documented records in the state (Table 1). YELLOW-FACED SISKIN Sporagra yarrellii A globally threatened species endemic to north-east Brazil, where it occurs from Piaui to Ceara and in Paraiba to Bahia (MMA 2003, BirdLife International 2011a). In Rio Grande do Norte there is only one undocumented record from Serra Verde, Taipu (Praxedes et al. 1997). We photographed a female in a patch of caatinga beside highway BR 226, in the municipality of Florania (Fig. 1, Table 1). In addition, J. B. Irusta (pers. comm.) observed a probable escapee on the campus of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, in Natal. This species is sold illegally in several markets around Natal, but these birds may be trapped in neighbouring states as their dealers state that they originate in Paraiba and Pernambuco. During 2006-08 wildlife officers confiscated three, five and single individuals, respectively, which were later released in caatingas at Pureza, Tangara, Currais Novos, Campo Redondo and Santa Cruz, all in Rio Grande do Norte (A. P. Leite pers. comm.). In the Serra de Santana, Santana do Matos, some local people claim that S. yarrellii appears in upland areas (c.700 m) in March (suggesting migration) when they are illegally captured. The trade in this endangered bird in Rio Grande do Norte and in other north-eastern states is concerning (Pereira & Brito 2005, Rocha et al. 2006), with the relative lack of recent records suggesting a steady decline and that legal measures to prevent the species' capture and sale require enforcement. Our data on P. limae and S. yarrellii are important for establishing regional conservation priorities. The caatinga, montane forest islands and coastal forest fragments are being steadily destroyed and fragmented (SNE 2002, Fundagao SOS Mata Atlantica 2009). The presence of threatened species should influence the selection of future conservation units. Serido Ecological Station (1,128 ha) is the only fully protected area in the state, meaning that the protected area network is in urgent need of expansion. The montane forest islands of Luis Gomes are a priority as they are important for the conservation of P. limae and other species, with large remnants still biologically unexplored. Also relevant is the need for population surveys of several poorly known species and the exploration of other ecosystems found in the state. Acknowledgements The Instituto de Desenvolvimento Sustentavel e Meio Ambiente do Rio Grande do Norte (IDEMA) permitted access to conservation units and provided logistical support. The Estivas plant and Baia Formosa distillery granted access to their properties. We thank our referees, Andrew Whittaker and Fabio Olmos, for their valued input. Jorge B. Irusta and Francisco Sagot Martins provided unpublished data. References: Azevedo Junior, S. M., Larrazabal, M. E. & Pena, O. 2004. Aves aquaticas de ambientes antropicos (Salinas) do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Pp. 255-266 in Branco, J. O. (ed.) Aves marinhas e insulares brasileiras: bioecologia e conservagao. Ed. Univale, Itajai. Bencke, G. A. & Mauricio, G. N. 2006. Areas importantes para a conservagao das aves nos estados do dominio da Mata Atlantica: sintese dos resultados. Pp. 91-99 in Bencke, G. A., Mauricio, G. N., Develey, P. F. & Goerck, J. M. (eds.) Areas importantes para a conservagao das aves no Brasil. Parte I - estados do dominio da Mata Atlantica. SAVE Brasil, Sao Paulo. BirdLife International. 2011a. Species factsheet: Carduelis yarrellii. www.birdlife.org (accessed 10 March 2011). BirdLife International. 2011b. Species factsheet: Picumnus fidvescens. www.birdlife.org (accessed 10 March 2011). Conservation International do Brasil. 2000. Avaliagdo e a goes prioritdrias para a conservagao da biodiversidade da Mata Atlantica e Campos Sulinos. Ministerio do Meio Ambiente, Brasilia. Marcelo da Silva et al. 240 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Fundagao SOS Mata Atlantica. 2009. Atlas da evolugao dos remanescentes florestais e ecossistemas associados do dominio da Mata Atlantica no periodo 2005-2008. Institute) de Pesquisas Espaciais, Sao Paulo. Girao, W., Albano, C., Pinto, P. T. & Silveira, L. F. 2007. Avifauna da Serra de Baturite, Ceara: dos naturalistas a atualidade. Pp. 187-224 in Oliveira, T. S. & Araujo, F. S. (eds.) Diversidade e conservagao da biota da Serra de Baturite, Ceara. Ed. UFC, COELCE, Fortaleza. Larrazabal, M. E., Azevedo Junior, S. M. & Pena, O. 2002. Monitoramento de aves limicolas na Salina Diamante Branco, Galinhos, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Rev. Bras. Zool. 19: 1081-1089. Marcgrave, J. 1942. [Marcgrave, G. 1648]. Historia natural do Brasil. Imprensa Oficial do Estado, Sao Paulo. Marini, M. A. & Lopes, L. E. 2005. Novo limite sul na distribuigao geografica de Sakesphorus cristatus (Thamnophilidae). Ararajuba 13: 105-106. Medeiros, J. A., Silveira, A. G. & Varela-Freire, A. A. 2000. Zoogeografia do Rio Grande do Norte VI: listagem provisoria das aves do agude Riacho do Rosado, Sao Jose do Serido, RN. Sociedade e Territorio 14: 29-34. MMA (Ministerio do Meio Ambiente). 2002. Avaliagdo e agoes prioritarias para a conservagao da biodiversidade da caatinga. MMA / SBF, Brasilia. MMA (Ministerio do Meio Ambiente). 2003. Lista das especies da fauna brasileira ameagadas de extingdo. Instrugao Normativa n° 3, 27 de maio de 2003. Diario Oficial da Republica Federativa do Brasil, Brasilia. Nascimento, J. L. X. 2000. Estudo comparative da avifauna em duas Estagoes Ecologicas da Caatinga: Aiuaba e Serido. Melopsittacus 3: 12-35. Olmos, F. 2003. Birds of Mata Estrela private reserve, Rio Grande do Norte. Cotinga 20: 26-30. Olmos, F., Silva, W. A. G. & Albano, C. 2005. Levantamentos rapidos de aves na Caatinga do sul do Ceara e oeste de Pernambuco, nordeste do Brasil. Pap. Avals. Zool. S. Paulo 45: 179-199. Pacheco, J. F. 2004. As aves da Caatinga: uma analise historica do conhecimento. Pp. 189-250 in Silva, J. M. C., Tabarelli, M., Fonseca, M. T. & Lins, L. V. (eds.) Biodiversidade da Caatinga: areas e agoes prioritarias para a conservagao. Ministerio do Meio Ambiente & Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Brasilia. Pereira, G. A. & Brito, M. T. 2005. Diversidade de aves silvestres brasileiras comercializadas nas feiras livres da Regiao Metropolitana do Recife, Pernambuco. Atualidades Orn. 126: 14. Praxedes, G. C., Araujo, M. F. F. & Varela-Freire, A. A. 1997. Zoogeografia do Rio Grande do Norte II. Levantamento preliminar da omitofauna da micro-regiao da Serra Verde (Taipu, RN). Caderno Norte- Rio-Grandense de Temas Geograficos 11: 82-89. Rocha, M. S. P., Cavalcanti, P. C. M., Sousa, R. L. & Alves, R. R. N. 2006. Aspectos da comercializagao ilegal de aves nas feiras livres de Campina Grande, Paraiba, Brasil. Rev. Biol. Cienc. Terra 6: 204-221. Roda, S. A. 2002. Aves endemicas e ameagadas de extingao no Estado de Pernambuco. Pp. 537-556 in Tabarelli, M. & Silva, J. M. C. (eds.) Diagnostico da biodiversidade de Pernambuco. Secretaria da Ciencia, Tecnologia e Meio Ambiente & Ed. Massangana, Recife. Ruiz-Esparza, J., Rocha, P. A., Souza Ribeiro, A., Ferrari, S. P. & Araujo, FT F. P. 2011. Expansion of the known range of Tawny Piculet Picumnus fulvescens including the south bank of the Sao Francisco River in north- east Brazil. Bull. Brit. Orn. Cl. 131: 217-221. Sick, FI. 1991. Distribution and subspeciation of the Biscutate Swift Streptoprocne biscutata. Bull. Brit. Orn. Cl. Ill: 38-40. Sick, FI. 1997. Ornitologia brasileira. Ed. Nova Fronteira, Rio de Janeiro. Silveira, L. F., Olmos, F., Roda, S. A. & Long, A. 2003. Notes on the Seven-coloured Tanager Tangara fastuosa in north-east Brazil. Cotinga 20: 82-88. SNE (Sociedade Nordestina de Ecologia). 2002. Mapeamento da Mata Atlantica, seus ecossistemas associados: Paraiba e Rio Grande do Norte. Relatorio tecnico. SNE, Recife. Teixeira, D. M., Otoch, R., Luigi, G., Raposo, M. A. & Almeida, A. C. C. 1993. Notes on some birds from northeastern Brazil. Bull. Brit. Orn. Cl. 113: 48-52. Varela-Freire, A. A. 1997. Fauna Potiguar. Ed. Univ. Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal. Varela-Freire, A. A. & Araujo, S. A. 1997. Zoogeografia do Rio Grande do Norte I: a ornitofauna do Serido Potiguar. Caderno Norte-Rio-Grandense de Temas Geograficos 11: 52-81. Whitney, B. M., Pacheco, J. F., Buzzetti, D. R. & Parrini, R. 2000. Systematic revision and biogeography of the Herpsilochmus pileatus complex, with description of a new species from northeastern Brazil. Auk 177: 869-891. Zimmer, K. J. & Isler, M. L. 2003. Family Thamnophilidae (typical antbirds). Pp. 448-681 in del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. & Christie, D. A. (eds.) Handbook of the birds of the world, vol. 8. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. Addresses : Marcelo da Silva, Bruno Rodrigo de Albuquerque Franga, Luiz Yoshihiro Garcia de Lima Flagi & Miguel Rocha Neto, Laboratory of Zoology, Dept, of Biological Sciences and Health, Universidade Potiguar (UnP), Av. Senador Salgado Filho, 1610, Natal, RN, Brazil, e-mail: marcelzoobio@yahoo.com. br. Mauro Pichorim & Damiao Valdenor de Oliveira, Dept, of Botany, Ecology and Zoology, Center of Biosciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, CEP 59072-970, Natal, Brazil. © British Ornithologists' Club 2011 Galo Buitron-Jurado 241 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Interesting distributional records of Amazonian birds from Pastaza, Ecuador by Galo Buitron-Jurado Received 15 February 2 Oil Summary.— Records of 28 species that extend our knowledge of their status and distribution in the eastern lowlands of Ecuador are presented, among them the fourth record of Pale-eyed Blackbird Agelasticus xanthophthalmus in the country, only the ninth Ecuadorian locality for Grey-bellied Hawk Accipiter poliogaster, and the first record for prov. Pastaza of Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris. Many of the other species reported on here might prove to be comparatively widely distributed in Ecuador's Amazonian lowlands, but to date relatively little field work has been conducted in this region away from the main Napo drainage. Knowledge of bird distribution in Ecuador has increased apace in recent years. New distributional records have been obtained at many sites, especially in previously poorly known areas of the country such as the Central Andes (Henry 2005), but also the western and eastern slopes (Freile & Chaves 2004, Henry 2005, Cisneros-Heredia 2006, Guevara et al. 2008). Even well-watched areas in the vicinity of Quito have provided interesting new records (Buitron & Freile 2006, Vogt 2007). Nevertheless, much work remains to fully elucidate the distribution of Ecuadorian birds, especially in parts of the country yet to be intensively explored. One such area is central Amazonian Ecuador (i.e. between the rios Napo and Pastaza), despite that early ornithological workers made important collections at sites such as Canelos, Sarayacu and the rio Bobonaza (Chapman 1926). Furthermore, although an impressive amount of ornithological research has been undertaken in Ecuadorian Amazonia since 1970, most research has been conducted in the north-east of this region, at relatively accessible sites in Cuyabeno and Limoncocha reserves and, more recently, at Yasuni National Park and at the many new lodges along the upper Napo, e.g. La Selva and Yuturi (Tallman & Tallman 1978, Canaday 1997, Canaday & Ribadeneyra 2001, Blake 2007). On the other hand, away from the upper Napo, the only site in Amazonian Ecuador from where many recent observations are available is Kapawi on the border with Peru and on the lower rio Pastaza (Alvarez- Alonso & Whitney 2003). Due to the patchy nature of ornithological collecting and probably also because early collectors lacked tape-recorders, many Amazonian species in eastern Ecuador are known from just a few scattered localities. Here I provide new distributional data for 28 species obtained from the region of the rio Villano, prov. Pastaza, Ecuador. Study area and Methods Records were obtained in February-December 2008, at eight locations along the rio Villano, prov. Pastaza, Ecuador (Fig. 1). Climate is wet with an estimated annual precipitation of >3,000 mm according to data from the nearest meteorological station at Puyo, prov. Pastaza (INAMHI 2006). The study area has a more hilly terrain than north- east Amazonian Ecuador and the region is characterised by vast tracts of lowland tropical forest with many small indigenous communities and scattered oil wells. An oil pipeline runs parallel to the rio Villano, and a road linking the main indigenous communities west Galo Buitron-Jurado 242 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Figure I. Map of mainland Ecuador, and the study area in Pastaza province including locations mentioned in the text. to Puyo is under construction. As part of a biodiversity assessment of the region, the eight sampling sites were accessed via helicopter and were visited for 12-15 days. Most records were documented with photographs, sound-recordings and specimens collected using mist-nets. Specimens were prepared as study skins or preserved whole in spirit, and have been deposited in the ornithological collection of the Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Ecuador, Quito (QCAZ). Sound-recordings have been uploaded to the xeno-canto website (www.xeno-canto.org). Elevation and coordinates for sites were obtained in the field using GPS data (Table 1). Distributional information cites Ridgely & Greenfield (2001) and taxonomy follows Remsen et al. (2011). TABLE 1 Locations of bird records mentioned in the text (see Fig. 1). Sample sites Coordinates Elevation (m) Site 1 01°27'S, 77°26'W 270-380 Site 2 01°28'S, 77°29'W 340-440 Site 3 01°28'S, 77°31'W 382-553 Site 4 01o25'S, 77° 40' W 643-700 Diez de Agosto road 01°23'S, 77°45'W 1,000-1,100 Paparahua community 01°29'S, 77°25'W 329-555 Kurintza community 01°30'S, 77°30'W 352-473 Tarangaro community 01°23'S, 77° 23' W 328-446 Galo Buitron-Jurado 243 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Species accounts CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis An individual of this widespread species was photographed beside the rio Lliquino at site 1 on 14 June 2008. Previous records from prov. Pastaza are from Kapawi Lodge at the frontier with Peru. My observation presumably involved a wandering bird because, although the species is a common resident in the eastern foothills and north-east Amazonia, breeding colonies are unknown in the eastern lowlands (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). GREY-BELLIED HAWK Accipiter poliogaster An adult of this little-known hawk was observed in a patch of secondary forest at site 1 on 1 March 2008. The following diagnostic features were noted in good light, excluding confusion with similar forest raptors (i.e. Micrastur ): the bird was an adult, having a very dark head and even blacker cap, the mask extending to the throat, and no extensive naked facial area. Back dusky grey and underparts appeared white. Tail black with three broad grey bands and a white tip. Irides red with a yellow cere and tarsi. Size and shape similar to Collared Micrastur semitorquatus and Slaty-backed Forest Falcons M. mirapdollei, which were both present in the area. Confusion with Collared Forest Falcon is improbable given its distinctive facial pattern, and this species also has dark ear-coverts, an olive-yellow facial area and dark irides (pers. obs.). Slaty-backed is more similar to Grey-bellied Hawk, but it lacks a capped or hooded effect, has a more extensive naked facial area, and has narrower tail bands (Ferguson-Lees & Christie 2001). The bird at Villano matched the illustration in Hilty & Brown (1986) and corresponded to the 'capped' or grey-faced variant, not to the hooded type (Ferguson-Lees & Christie 2001, Restall et al. 2006). Published records of Grey- bellied Hawk from Ecuador are from just nine localities (Sarayacu in Pastaza is that closest to the Villano), indicating its extreme rarity in the country; virtually all known records are from pristine habitats (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001, Howell 2002). GREY-NECKED WOOD RAIL Aramides cajanea Three were sound-recorded near Paparahua community on 23 July 2008 (XC77715). They were not seen but were identified by their distinctive voice (Moore et al. 2009) and the species is well known to the indigenous residents of the Villano area. Previous records in Ecuador are solely from the upper Napo with one record from the Kapawi area. As Grey- necked Wood Rail occurs throughout the lower Pastaza basin in Peru (Schulenberg et al. 2007), I suspect that it is more widespread in Ecuador than published records suggest. WHITE-BEARDED HERMIT Phaethornis hispidus Several mist-netted and observed at sites 1-2 and Paparahua community, in flooded evergreen forest. Four specimens were collected: QCAZ 3102, 3159, 3161, 3168. These are the westernmost records in Pastaza, but are unsurprising, given the species' broad distribution across Amazonia (Restall et al. 2006). LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT Heliomaster longirostris A male observed on the south bank of the rio Villano at Kurintza community, perched in an Inga edulis (Fabaceae) tree on 22 August 2008. It was a male based on the ruby throat, although the blue on the head was not very conspicuous. Confusion with other species is unlikely, because no species of similar size has an equally long, straight bill. Previous records in the eastern lowlands are from five localities on the Napo (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). My record is the first for Pastaza and the species is unknown in adjacent Peru Galo Buitron-Jurado 244 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) (Schulenberg et al. 2007). This hummingbird's distribution in the eastern lowlands of Ecuador and Peru remains poorly understood. As it prefers secondary forest and edges, some authors have suggested that the species is probably spreading due to deforestation (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD Notharchus hyperrhynchus This species had been recorded south of the rio Yasuni only in the Kapawi area (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). I observed one at Kurintza community on 18 August 2008, perched in a tall secondary forest; it did not vocalise. This record confirms Ridgely & Greenfield's (2001) suspicion that it occurs in the Pastaza drainage. There is an unpublished record from the Tena area, Napo province (pers. obs.), but the species is probably rare near the Andes. BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD Monasa nigrifrons Uncommon in flooded forest along the rio Villano and one was photographed, on 14 June 2008, on the north bank of the Lliquino, a small tributary of the Villano, at site 1, where a flock was tape-recorded near Paparahua community on 22 July 2008. The species was also observed at two further localities, at site 2 and around Tarangaro community. Black-fronted Nunbird is known primarily from the Napo and Aguarico drainages, and my records indicate that it occurs at elevations up to at least 500 m in Pastaza. WHITE-EARED JACAMAR Galbalcyrhynchus leucotis One observed at site 2 on 12 May 2008 perched on a Cecropia (Urticaceae) tree in flooded forest beside the rio Lliquino. In Pastaza, White-eared Jacamar is known only from a 19th century specimen from the rio Copotaza, a small tributary of the Pastaza that flows south of Sarayacu, and from recent sightings at Kapawi (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). My record indicates that G. leucotis occurs near the Andes from Sucumbios to Pastaza, and extends the known range 28 km north-west. CREAM-COLOURED WOODPECKER Celeus flavus A male was observed twice at site 2, at 400 m, in a subcanopy mixed-species flock including Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana, White-fronted Nunbird Monasa morphoeus, Gilded Barbet Capito auratus, and Russet-backed Psarocolius angustifrons and Crested Oropendolas P. decumanus. Cream-coloured Woodpecker has primarily been recorded from the Napo and Aguarico drainages, but recent reports from Kapawi and my observations suggest that the species ranges widely in Pastaza. BROWN-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER Automolus melanopezus Two were mist-netted, photographed and collected (QCAZ 3230, 3230) in evergreen flooded forest at Tarangaro community, on 25 September 2008. South of the Napo, records are limited to Kapawi and Canelos (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). Tarangaro is c.45 km east of Canelos and 150 km north-west of Kapawi, suggesting that Brown-rumped Foliage-gleaner could occur widely in central Amazonian Ecuador. CHESTNUT-CROWNED FOLIAGE-GLEANER Automolus rufipileatus One was trapped, photographed and collected (QCAZ 3226) at Tarangaro community, on 25 September 2008. It had white irides, but did not differ from Limoncocha specimens in plumage (QCAZ 1633, 1636). This specimen confirms the species' presence in the Pastaza drainage. I he species generally prefers Gynerium cane growing on floodplains or on river Galo Buitron-Jurado 245 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) islands (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001), but my record comes from a flooded area with no Gynerium. CHESTNUT-WINGED HOOKBILL Ancistrops strigilatus One observed in forest at Tarangaro community on 21 September 2008 was with a large mixed-species flock of insectivores and foraged 12 m above ground. Previous Pastaza records are from Sarayacu and Kapawi (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). My record suggests that it may be more widespread in Pastaza. SHORT-BILLED LEAFTOSSER Sclerurus rufigularis One mist-netted and collected (QCAZ 3240) at 700 m at site 4, on 1 December 2008. In Ecuador, the species has mainly been recorded in the Napo drainage, but is also known from sightings at Kapawi, Pastaza. All previous records are from below 300 m, so my record increases the species' known altitudinal range by 400 m and confirms its presence midway between the Napo and Pastaza rivers. It is possible that, like other low-density species, this leaftosser will prove to be more widespread than presently thought. LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER Nasica longirostris The first record was of an individual in a patch of flooded evergreen forest at site 1, where one was heard and observed foraging in a large bromeliad in February 2008. Repeated sightings and sound-recordings of a pair were obtained in June 2008 at the same site (XC76038). Long-billed Woodcreeper is known in southernmost Pastaza only at Laguna Siguin, Kapawi and Sarayacu (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001), but it is probably widespread in prov. Pastaza. OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER Mionectes olivaceus First observed on 17 June 2008 at site 1. Subsequently, two were photographed and collected (QCAZ 3182, 3239) at the same location and Paparahua community at 400 m. The easternmost records in Ecuador are from Jatun Sacha on the upper Napo, at 500 m (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). My specimens indicate that the species could be found below 400 m along the Villano, where a hillier terrain than in the north-east lowlands predominates. It has been suggested that Olive-striped Flycatcher might be only an altitudinal migrant or vagrant to the eastern lowlands (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). BROWNISH TWISTWING Cnipodectes subbrunneus One was mist-netted and collected (QCAZ 3128) at site 1 on 25 June 2008. Apparently widespread in the eastern lowlands, but most previous records are from the north-east. CATTLE TYRANT Machetornis rixosa Three seen and one photographed at site 1 on 20 February 2008. Additional photographs of one perched on an Inga sp. tree obtained on 21 June 2008. Previous records from Ecuador are mainly from Coca airport, prov. Orellana (Ridgely & Greenfield 2006). My record is the first in Pastaza and the southernmost in Ecuador. The species seems to have recently invaded following the opening of large forest clearings in the Ecuadorian Amazon, as it was unknown in the country prior to 1991 and had not been recorded in adjacent Peru (N. Krabbe pers. comm.). Galo Buitron-Jurado 246 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN Tyranneutes stolzmanni One was mist-netted at 700 m at site 4 on 28 November 2008. This species mostly occurs below 500 m but has been recorded to 900 m at Bermejo, prov. Sucumbios (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). BLACK-NECKED RED COTINGA Phoenicircus nigricollis Rare in Ecuador, being absent even from large tracts of undisturbed and seemingly suitable habitat. At Tarangaro community, a male was observed eating fruits 5 m above the ground on 17 September 2008. This was the only record, despite specifically searching for a lek. I agree with Ridgely & Greenfield (2001) that the species might be considered Near Threatened due to its rarity, sensitivity to anthropogenic disturbance and its patchy distribution (Trail & Donahue 1991, Stotz et al. 1996). WHITE-THIGHED SWALLOW Neochelidon tibialis A pair mist-netted and collected (QCAZ 3021, 3028) beside a forest stream at site 1 in February 2008. Local and scarce in eastern Ecuador, it is primarily known from the foothills and the only previous records from Pastaza are from Kapawi (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). RED-CAPPED CARDINAL Paroaria gularis One trapped in a mist-net set for bats at site 1 on 11 January 2008 was photographed and released (C. Boada pers. comm.). Previous reports in Pastaza are from Laguna Siguin (not located) and Kapawi (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). This record indicates that it occurs to 400 m on the Villano. However, the species seems extremely rare along this river (possibly a vagrant), because I was unable to find it during subsequent visits to the area. WHITE-LINED TANAGER Tachyphonus rufus A pair photographed at Paparahua community, on 15 July 2008, perched on an exposed branch. The presence of both sexes precluded confusion with other species of Tachyphonus present in the area. This record supports the suggestion of Ridgely & Greenfield (2001) that the species might be increasing in the eastern lowlands in response to forest clearance. SHORT-BILLED HONEYCREEPER Cyanerpes nitidus A female foraged with a large mixed-species canopy flock of tanagers and insectivores in a patch of Cecropia trees c.l km west of Paparahua community, on 23 July 2008. Confidently identified through direct comparison with a female Purple Honeycreeper C. caeruleus permitting me to note their different leg colours, the shorter bill of the present species (an especially useful character) and its distinctive face pattern with contrasting dark lores. Known in Ecuador from a few scattered sightings, mostly in the north-east, with the exception of records from Kapawi, Pastaza (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). Its distribution requires further study, but this record and those from Kapawi suggest that it could be more widespread than currently supposed. RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW Zonotrichia capensis A pair feeding a juvenile photographed near Diez de Agosto, at 1,000 m, on 14 February 2008. Rufous-collared Sparrow is widespread in the Ecuadorian Andes with records at 1,500-3,800 m. However, in recent years it seems to be expanding to the eastern foothills following deforestation. Recent records are from Misahualli, Tena, and Archidona in Napo (at 395-500 m) and in Loreto (430 m) (P.-Y. Henry unpubl.). My record confirms breeding in this region. Galo Buitron-Jurado 247 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) GREEN OROPENDOLA Psaracolius viridis Several individuals and flocks observed across the entire study area, usually in upland forest. Seen within most mixed-species flocks of frugivores, but such flocks were rare. One sound-recorded at site 1 on 25 June 2008. Except for sightings from Kapawi, in the eastern lowlands P. viridis had not been recorded south of the rio Arajuno. My records extend its known range in Pastaza 150 km north-west, and suggest that it may be more widespread than thought. CASQUED OROPENDOLA Clypicterus oseryi One of the most frequently observed oropendolas in the study area. First recorded in the vicinity of site 1 in February 2008, but subsequently found along the rio Villano up to 500 m at site 3 and around Paparahua community. Sound-recordings were obtained (XC77711), mainly at Kurintza (where photographs were also obtained), and sites 1-2. These records extend its range up to 500 m in Pastaza. According to Ridgely & Greenfield (2001), C. oseryi appears to be rare and uncommon near the Andes, but my records indicate that the species has been overlooked in Pastaza and extend its range 27 km east from Sarayacu and 150 km north from Kapawi. RED-RUMPED CACIQUE Cacicus haemorrhous A pair observed and sound-recorded with other icterids at Kurintza community (400 m) on 16 August 2008. First reported in Ecuador from Sarayacu and subsequently at Montalvo; recently it has also been recorded below 300 m, mostly in the Napo drainage in hilly terra firme forest, but it has also been seen at Kapawi. Given all previous and recent records in Pastaza, I suggest that the species might occur along the northern rio Pastaza in Ecuador, although it has not been recorded south of this river in Peru (Schulenberg et al. 2007). PALE-EYED BLACKBIRD Agelasticus xanthophthalmus Three were observed and a male sound-recorded (XC75483) on 26 June 2008 at site 1. They were observed in grass and cane beside an oxbow lake. The male was perhaps a subadult as it had a streaked throat, although its eyes were yellow and the rest of its plumage, as well as the tarsi and bill, were black as in adults. The group appeared to be resident in the area because one was also present in February 2008. The species was not recorded elsewhere in the study region, despite the presence of similar emergent vegetation around oxbow lakes, its preferred habitat (Orians & Orians 2000). Pale-eyed Blackbird was previously known from just three localities in Ecuador and my record is the southernmost. The reasons for its rarity are unknown and I concur with Ridgely & Greenfield (2001) that it merits Near Threatened status in Ecuador. The records reported here contribute to our understanding of the distribution of Ecuadorian birds, by amplifying the known ranges of several species. Also, these records indicate that the distribution of birds in Ecuadorian Amazonia merits additional study. It is important to determine the expansion of some species associated with cleared areas as a result of deforestation. Similarly, the causes of rarity of some species demand clarification in order to fine-tune conservation action. Acknowledgements My research was funded by Eni E&P Division and Agip Oil Ecuador and was undertaken with the participation of Fauna & Flora International. Any comments, interpretations or conclusions made are those of the author, and are not necessarily agreed with or supported by Agip Oil Ecuador or Eni E&P Division. The research was authorised by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment, permission no. 010-IC-FAU/FLO- Galo Buitron-Jurado 248 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) DREN-P/MA. Thanks to H. Navarrete, V. Navarrete and M. Benalcazar for logistical arrangements, C. Boada and P.-Y. Henry for sharing their observations, and J. M. Galarza, D. Guarderas, A. Sola and C. Borja for assistance during the field work. A. Bustos and S. Burneo helped with the GIS figure and data, and C. Keil with the English translation. N. Krabbe made useful comments on the manuscript, as did J. Chaves and J. F. Freile. References: Alvarez-Alonso, J. & Whitney, B. M. 2003. 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Ferguson-Fees, J. & Christie, D. A. 2001. Raptors of the world. Houghton Mifflin, Boston, NY. Freile, ]. F. 2004. Range extensions and other noteworthy and new bird records from mainland Ecuador. Bull. Brit. Orn. Cl. 124: 188-202. Freile, J. F. & Chaves, j. 2004. Interesting distributional records and notes on the biology of bird species from a cloud-forest reserve in north-west Ecuador. Bull. Brit. Orn. Cl. 124: 6-16. Guevara, E., Solano, A. & Buitron, G. 2008. Noteworthy records from the eastern Andean slopes of northern Ecuador. Orn. Colombiana 7: 78-82. Henry, P.-Y. 2005. New distributional records of birds from Andean and western Ecuador. Cotinga 23: 27-32. Hilty, S. F. & Brown, W. F. 1986. A guide to the birds of Colombia. Princeton Univ. Press. Howell, S. N. G. 2002. Additional information on the birds of Ecuador. Cotinga 18: 62-65. INAMHI. 2006. Anuario meteorologico. Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia e Hidrografla, Quito. Moore, J. V., Krabbe, N., Lysinger, M., Lane, D. F., Coopmans, P., Rivadeneyra, J. & Ridgely, R. S. 2009. The birds of eastern Ecuador: the lowlands. CDs. John V. Moore Nature Recordings, San Jose, CA. Orians, G. & Orians, E. N. 2000. Observations of the Pale-eyed Blackbird in southeastern Peru. Condor 102: 956-958. Remsen, J. V., Cadena, C. D., Jaramillo, A., Nores, M., Pacheco, J. F., Robbins, M. B., Schulenberg, T. S., Stiles, F. G., Stotz, D. F. & Zimmer, K. J. 2010. A classification of the bird species of South America, www. museum.lsu.edu/Remsen/SACC Baseline.html (accessed December 2010). Restall, R., Rodner, C. & Lentino, M. 2006. Birds of northern South America. Christopher Helm, London. Ridgely, R. S. & Greenfield, P. J. 2001. The birds of Ecuador. Cornell Univ. Press, Ithaca, NY. Ridgely, R. S. & Greenfield, P. J. 2006. Aves del Ecuador. Academia de Ciencias Naturales de Filadelfia & Fundacion Jocotoco, Quito. Schulenberg, T. S., Stotz, D. F., Lane, D. F., O'Neill, J. P. & Parker, T. A. 2007. Birds of Peru. Princeton Univ. Press. Stotz, D. F., Fitzpatrick, J. W., Parker, T. A. & Moskovits, D. K. 1996. Neotropical birds: ecology and conservation. Chicago Univ. Press. Tallman, D. & Tallman, E. 1977. Adiciones y revisions a la lista de la avifauna de Limoncocha, Provincia del Napo, Ecuador. Rev. Pont. Univ. Cat. Ecuador 16: 217-224. Trail, P. W. & Donahue, P. 1991. Notes on the behavior and ecology of the red-cotingas (Cotingidae: Phoenicircus). Wilson Bull. 103: 539-551. Vogt, C. 2007. High-elevation records of bird species from Rucu Pichincha Volcano, Ecuador. Cotinga 26: 81-83. Address: Museo de Zoologia, Escuela de Biologia, Pontificia Universidad Catdlica del Ecuador, Casilla 17-01-2184, Quito, Ecuador, e-mail: galobuitronj@yahoo.es © British Ornithologists' Club 201 1 Alejandro Solano-Ugalde 249 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Notes on the distribution and natural history of bird species in the Choco bioregion of Ecuador by Alejandro Solano-Ugalde Received 31 March 2011 Summary. — Here I present new information for 14 bird species in the Choco bioregion of Ecuador. Novel distributional records are presented for eight species, including two globally Endangered (Baudo Guan Penelope ortoni and Banded Ground Cuckoo Neomorphus radio! osus ) and one Vulnerable species (Brown Wood Rail Aramides wolfi). At the national level, new data are provided for four Endangered and two Vulnerable species. Additionally, I present natural history data to supplement the previously limited knowledge concerning five species, including the first description of a nest in the wild of Orange-breasted Fruiteater Pipreola jucunda. Of interest is the first known instance of a Dendrocolaptidae (Strong-billed Woodcreeper Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus) predating a nest of a trochilid (Brown Inca Coeligena wilsoni), and the apparent extirpation of a local population of Baudo Guan. The Choco bioregion is defined as an area generally restricted to western Colombia and north-west Ecuador. Given high levels of biodiversity and endemism (greater than in any other area in the Americas), this bioregion is of high priority for global conservation and is listed as an Endemic Bird Area (Stattersfield et al. 1998). Although Ridgely & Greenfield (2001) summarised a huge body of information on the avifauna of the Ecuadorian part of this bioregion, many gaps remain especially in relation to our knowledge of natural history, species distributions and habitat use. More recently, fresh information has been presented on the distribution (Freile & Chaves 2004, Henry 2005, Alava et al. 2007), natural history (Karubian et al. 2003, Arcos-Torres & Solano-Ugalde 2007, Solano-Ugalde et al. 2010) and status (Freile et al. 2003, Jahn et al. 2007) of birds in the region, including some of high conservation concern such as Banded Ground Cuckoo Neomorphus radiolosus (Solano- Ugalde & Arcos-Torres 2007). While these publications further our understanding of the species in question, they point to the need for further data to support the implementation of sound conservation strategies for the Choco bioregion. Here I present novel information on the distribution and natural history of 14 species of Choco endemics (combining the assessments in Stattersfield et al. 1998 and Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). Observations were made during bird surveys and monitoring, and while leading birding trips throughout the region. The following accounts summarise my observations, whilst a summary of the localities visited is presented in Table 1. Species accounts BERLEPSCH'S TINAMOU Crypturellus berlepschi An adult was observed at close range (c.4 m) within primary forest at Reserva Mangaloma on 14 February 2007. The wholly sooty black body with a distinctive reddish-orange mandible and tarsi, and striking yellow-orange irides were diagnostic. The bird was also heard vocalising twice during a one-hour period. At least one other record is available from the same reserve in 2007 (R. Jonsson pers. comm.), and a sighting in late 2009 suggests that the species occurs in small numbers in the area. Previous records in Ecuador are mainly from prov. Esmeraldas, with a few from Pichincha. Most known localities are below 300 Alejandro Solano-Ugalde 250 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) TABLE 1 Localities studied in north-west Ecuador, 2006-10. Site Province Elevation Coordinates Principal habitat / life zone Humedal de Yalare Esmeraldas 20 m 01°05'N, 78°50'W Flooded lowlands Reserva Canande Esmeraldas 500 m 00°43'N, 79°02'W Foothills and lower subtropics Bosque Protector Los Cedros Imbabura 1,200 m 00°18'N, 78°46'W Lower subtropics Reserva Mariposas y Guanas Pichincha 600 m Unavailable Foothills and lower subtropics Reserva Mangaloma Pichincha 600-900 m 00°05'N, 79°00'W Foothills and lower subtropics Reserva Yanacocha Pichincha 3,200 m 00°10'S, 78°35'W Upper temperate Reserva Las Gralarias Pichincha 2,200 m 00°00'S, 78°44'W Subtropical montane forest Reserva Inti Llacta Pichincha 1,800 m 00°03'N, 78°42'W Subtropical montane forest Refugio Paz de las Aves Pichincha 1,950 m 00°00'N, 78°42'W Subtropical montane forest Bosque Protector Mashpi Pichincha 1,400 m 00°09'N, 78°50'W Lower subtropics m, but a specimen was taken at 700 m in the 'Mindo / Milpe' region, although this has been considered controversial because both sites are generally considered to be higher in elevation (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). However, Milpe gorge to the rio Pachijal and nearby Chaltayacu are at the correct elevation and possess appropriate habitat (S. Olmstead pers. comm.). At c.800 m, the Mangaloma record is the highest for the country and one of the most recent for Pichincha, together with unpublished observations from Silanche Bird Sanctuary (G. Buchelli & D. Brinkhuizen pers. comm.) and the Charco Vicente trail, in Cotacachi- Cayapas Reserve (B. Palacios in litt. 2011). The species occurs to 500 m in Colombia, with a single record at 900 m from the Anchicaya Valley (Hilty & Brown 1986). In Ecuador it is considered Endangered (Mena-Valenzuela & Jahn 2002). BAUDO GUAN Penelope ortoni During bird surveys at Reserva Mangaloma in 2006-08, at least two pairs of this globally Endangered cracid (BirdLife International 2011) were found, initially by their distinctive vocalisations. However, more recent visits, by reserve personnel and birdwatchers, have failed to find the species. In Ecuador it is considered rare to locally uncommon by Ridgely & Greenfield (2001), who suggested that the species receives no adequate protection in the country. In Pichincha there appear to be no other sites where the species still occurs, and the suggestion that it disappears even in the face of just light hunting pressure (O. Jahn in Ridgely & Greenfield 2001) is corroborated by my experience at Mangaloma. The species' conservation in Ecuador is a priority. In Colombia, it is known from only a few localities (Hilty & Brown 1986), and in Ecuador habitat loss and its sensitivity to hunting has rendered the species Endangered (Jahn & Mena-Valenzuela 2002). BROWN WOOD RAIL Aramides zuolfi On 8 December 2007 two were heard vocalising in the Yalare swamp, along the 'Costanera' road from San Lorenzo to Esmeraldas, and at least two were briefly observed thereafter. Again, on 21 February 2008, birds were heard calling and, on 15 March 2008, two pairs were heard interacting and two birds were observed walking across the main road. The Yalare wetlands represent a distinctive and unique habitat restricted to the north-west lowlands of Ecuador, known locally as guandal (Freile & Santander 2005). This locality represents a new site for this rare and very local rallid, which occurs at only a few sites in the country (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001, Freile et id. 2004, Alava et id. 2007, Freile 2008), although there is Alejandro Solano-Ugalde 251 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) also a record from Silanche Bird Sanctuary, Pichincha (B. Palacios in litt. 2011). The species is considered Endangered nationally (Hilgert 2002) and Vulnerable globally (BirdLife International 2011). BANDED GROUND CUCKOO Neomorphus radiolosus I encountered a Banded Ground Cuckoo at Reserva Canande on 8 January 2008. It ran across the trail 5 m ahead of me, hopped onto a 1 m-high stump, and remained perched for almost one minute, constantly raising and lowering its crest, and cocking and partially spreading its tail. With a single hop, the bird descended to the ground and immediately disappeared in the dense understorey. Within 3-5 minutes, the bird began vocalising for almost 15 minutes (and was perhaps joined by a second bird?). An army ant swarm ( Eciton sp.) was in the vicinity and was attended by two Plain-brown Woodcreepers Dendrodnda fuliginosa and a pair of Immaculate An thirds Myrmedza inmaculata. Although new information concerning the species' breeding biology is available (Karubian et al. 2007), since the publication of Ridgely & Greenfield (2001) only one new locality has been documented (Solano-Ugalde & Arcos-Torres 2007), although there is an unpublished record of two at Cerro Dogola, Mache Chindul Reserve (B. Palacios in litt. 2011). The species is considered Endangered nationally and globally (Greenfield 2002, BirdLife International 2011). ROSE-FACED PARROT Pionopsitta pulchra A flock of six was observed around the headquarters at Reserva Los Cedros on 31 December 2009, and during the following days the species was observed consuming Psidium gnajava (Myrtaceae) fruits. Apparently, the species has been resident at the reserve since at least 1998 (M. Cooper pers. comm.). Additionally, on 3 December 2008, a flock of ten was observed flying over the pass (1,500 m) above La Delicia, en route to the nearby Bosque Protector Mashpi. This parrot's distribution, status and taxonomy were discussed by Ridgely & Greenfield (2011), who knew of no records from prov. Imbabura and none above 1,300 m. However, the species' substantial decline due to deforestation and hunting (P. Mena Valenzuela & O. Jahn in litt. 2011) apparently were insufficient to list it as threatened in Ecuador (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001), although it was subsequently treated as Vulnerable (Jahn & Mena-Valenzuela 2002). During informal surveys of illegal pet markets in north- west Pichincha in 2009-10, I observed two cages with juvenile Rose-faced Parrots. Given recent declines in north-west Pichincha (e.g. along the Milpe Road, San Miguel de Los Bancos; pers. obs. 2006-10) and knowledge that the species is captured for the pet trade (an important but previously unknown threat), its conservation status in Ecuador might require reassessment. INDIGO-CROWNED QUAIL-DOVE Geotrygon purpurata First recorded at Reserva Mangaloma in 2006, where it has regularly been seen since. On 13 August 2008, a pair was seen at Reserva Mariposas y Guanas, in the middle rio Pachijal drainage, where a pair has been tamed to eat pieces of banana from the ground since then (M. Munoz pers. comm.; pers. obs.). Considered rare to uncommon in Ecuador, with just one previously known locality (under modern political divisions) in Pichincha; Simon Bolivar Road (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). The species' apparent preference for primary forest (fide Ridgely & Greenfield 2001) is supported by my observations, which are all from pristine habitat. These new localities, especially Mariposas y Guanas, are potentially good sites to further study the natural history of this elusive species. Hilty & Brown (1986) regarded it as a subspecies of Sapphire Quail-Dove G. saphirina, but from an Ecuadorian perspective G. purpurata is treated specifically and is ranked as Vulnerable due to its limited range and habitat preferences (Jahn & Mena-Valenzuela 2002). Alejandro Solano-Ugalde 252 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) GORGETED SUNANGEL Heliangelus strophianus During the first week of October 2008, initially on the 7th, and until 20 November, an adult male was present at Reserva Yanacocha, where it visited one of the hummingbird feeders at a forest border along the Inca Ditch trail. Several times it was chased by a territorial Buff-winged Starfrontlet Coeligena lutetiae. This record, with an unpublished record from the reserve in 2005 (T. Santander pers. comm.), constitutes a new upper elevation for the species, which was previously known to reach 2,300 m (occasionally 3,000 m) in Ecuador (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001) and 2,800 m in Colombia (Hilty & Brown 1986). BROWN INCA Coeligena wilsoni On 17 November 2006, at Reserva Las Gralarias, I found an adult feeding two chicks at a mossy nest inside forest, 2 m above ground in a Cinchona sp. (Rubiaceae). The nest was revisited on 22 November and the chicks, mainly covered in brown down, weighed 7.5 and 8.1 g, respectively. External nest measurements were 73 mm wide x 65 mm tall, with a 100 mm 'tail' of hanging moss, and the cup was 35 mm wide x 25 mm deep. On 1 December I witnessed the chicks' predation by two Strong-billed Woodcreepers Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus moving through the understorey. Approaching the nest I heard contact calls between the woodcreepers. Waiting 8 m distant, I saw the first individual perch <10 cm from the cup and immediately grasp a chick and fly off to a nearby perch where it gulped its prey whole. Subsequently, the second bird approached the nest and took the other chick, which it consumed while perched nearby. An adult C. wilsoni appeared and emitted an incessant high-pitched, short, alarm note for c.l minute, then left and did not return during the next ten minutes. There is a single breeding record from Ecuador (Greeney & Nunnery 2006) and, based on Schuchmann (1999), this is the first documented instance of predation of a hummingbird by a Dendrocolaptidae. PALE- MANDIBLED ARACARI Pteroglossus erythropygius A regular seasonal visitor to Reserva Inti Llacta (IL), where mostly seen during the less wet part of the year (June-September) in 2006-09. A similar pattern is observed at nearby Refugio Paz de las Aves, at 1,950 m (A. Paz pers. comm.), with a single record at 2,200 m above Bellavista (B. Palacios in litt. 2011). Recently recorded at IL in February 2009, when a juvenile was heard in second growth near the reserve headquarters. Although the natural history of the species was summarised by Berg (2001) there is limited information from the foothills and lower subtropical forest in Pichincha (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001); my records of juveniles with adults are in January-May. The species' altitudinal range was previously considered to reach 1,500 m (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). Nationally, Pale-mandibled Aracari is considered Vulnerable (Jahn & Mena-Valenzuela 2002). CLUB-WINGED MANAKIN Machaeropterus deliciosus On 26 June 2008 a female-plumaged bird was mist-netted at Reserva Inti Llacta (IL). A week later the mechanical sound diagnostic of the species was heard on the same trail as the initial capture (in the headwaters of the rio Pachijal), and since then there have been sporadic records suggesting year-round presence. Ridgely & Greenfield (2001) suggested that the species might be a seasonal altitudinal migrant. My records might reflect post- breeding dispersal as, at least in part of its range, the species breeds during the first half of the year (H. F. Greeney pers. comm.), and they also constitute a new max. elevation in Ecuador, where Club-winged Manakin was previously known to 1,500 m, whereas in Colombia the species regularly occurs to 1,900 m (Hilty & Brown 1986). Alejandro Solano-Ugalde 253 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) ORANGE-BREASTED FRUITEATER Pipreola jucunda On 12 November 2008 A. Paz informed me of an active nest at Refugio Paz de las Aves. It was visited on 18 November and video-taped for three hours, but thereafter the nest was found abandoned. The nest was 4.5 m above the ground in a 7 m-tall Palicourea sp. (Rubiaceae) tree in semi-wooded pasture with nearby forest. Inside there was a dead chick weighing 14.5 g, mostly unfeathered with several conspicuous botfly larvae (Oestridae), and which measured: exposed culmen = 9.6 mm, nares to tip = 4.1 mm, tarsus = 17.3 mm. The bill and tarsus showed only hints of reddish, the gape yellowish olive, and the eyes were closed. The nest was cup shaped, measuring inside 81.3 mm (width) x 21.2 mm (depth), and externally 122.9 mm (width) x 38.1 mm (depth), with a tail of hanging moss of 67.4 mm. Externally the nest was composed of dead and live mosses, whilst internally the materials were bound to a network of interwoven fine twigs and fern fibres. Additionally, a pair with nesting material was observed briefly in old second growth at Reserva Inti Llacta on 13 December 2009. The species' natural history was briefly described by Samper (1992) and a pair with nesting material was observed in April in south-west Colombia (Strewe 2001). My record represents the first breeding data for the species in the wild, although nesting in captivity was described by Lint & Dolan (1966). BLACK SOLITAIRE Entomodestes coracinus On 3 December 2008 one was heard along the La Magusa Road in the surroundings of Bosque Protector Mashpi. Since then, I have encountered the species on eight of 15 visits to appropriate habitat (heavy moss forest), with at least one presumed territory, and have recorded max. 3 adults. In Ecuador the species is rare to uncommon and inconspicuous (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001), which together with habitat loss and fragmentation led to its classification as Near Threatened (Jacome 2002). Although the last-named author mentioned six localities where the species is apparently protected in Ecuador, none of these seems to possess an easy accessible resident population as at Mashpi. YELLOW-COLLARED CHLOROPHONIA Chlorophonia flavirostris I first recorded this species on 14 December 2007 at Reserva Inti Llacta, when I witnessed a pair vocalising and acrobatically feeding at a Miconia sp. (Melastomataceae) shrub in forest edge. Additionally, on 19 January 2009, at Refugio Paz de las Aves, a male was feeding at an Araliaceae tree in primary forest. Regarded as rare to locally common in the foothills and lower subtropics, albeit only as far south as Pichincha in Ecuador, where it occurs in small numbers and only seasonally (December- April; M. Lysinger in litt. 2001; Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). My records increase the species' the altitudinal range to 1,950 m, although in Colombia it occurs regularly to 1,900 m in the Anchicaya and Digua drainages, in dpto. Valle (Hilty & Brown 1986). MOSS-BACKED TANAGER Bangsia edzvardsi On 14 February 2006, I observed an apparent juvenile at Reserva Inti Llacta (IL), the first record for the reserve. It was aged by the pinkish gape and overall subdued coloration. On 26 June 2010 a family party was in the buffer zone of Bosque Protector Mashpi, the juvenile being fed an unidentified insect by one of the adults after incessant begging. The same day a second family party was seen, but in this instance one of two juveniles was observed carrying moss to a nearby clump 6 m high in a tree, where a nest was apparently being constructed. The IL record constitutes a new altitudinal limit in Ecuador, with most previous records at 500-1,100 m, other than a record at 1,700 m in prov. Carchi (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001) and a single recent record at 1,650 m in Pichincha (Vogt 2007). The species is especially abundant in the area around Bosque Protector Mashpi. Besides a nest described Alejandro Solano-Ugalde 254 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) from Esmeraldas (Robbins & Glenn 1988), nothing concerning the species' breeding appears to have been published, making my records the first breeding data for Pichincha and the first confirmation of helpers at the nest in this tanager (Isler & Isler 1999). Most of my records were made in reserves within one of Ecuador's most-visited regions by ornithologists, the Mindo area. Although it has received attention from national and international NGOs, as well as independent researchers (Kirwan & Marlow 1996), the data presented here prove how much remains to be discovered concerning the avifauna of this megadiverse area that includes three Important Bird Areas (Freile & Santander 2005). It is interesting to note that, for six of the 14 species mentioned here, an altitudinal range extension is reported, which is especially important given the severe loss of lowland forest in western Ecuador (Dodson & Gentry 1991, Freile & Santander 2005). Natural history studies and better data on distributions of species restricted to certain biogeographic regions remain a priority in Ecuador (Freile et al. 2006, Freile & Rodas 2008) yet, controversially, such studies are generally in decline (Beehler 2010). Given the conservation priority of the Choco Endemic Bird Area, those observers and researchers with unpublished data are encouraged to share them via published and unpublished media. Exploring data-sharing initiatives wherein both scientific and citizen science participants can plan more effective conservation strategies should be a relatively easily achievable common goal for the future. For instance, around Mashpi, a proposal to create a new Important Bird Area is being evaluated, together with a watershed conservation initiative promoted by local people and Quito municipality. Lastly, in agreement with Freile & Rodas (2008), given evident declines for several species, updating the Ecuadorian Red Data Book for birds should be a priority. Acknowledgements Fundacion Imaymana and the Natural History of Ecuador's Mainland Avifauna Group have provided constant support of my studies of the natural history of Choco birds. J. Freile offered field assistance and shared relevant bibliography. The staff of Mangaloma, Canande and Yanacocha reserves (Fundacion Jocotoco), Reserva Tundaloma, Reserva Inti Flacta, Reserva Fas Gralarias, Reserva Fos Cedros, Refugio Paz de las Aves, and Reserva Mariposas y Guanas oversaw the logistical aspects of my work. S. Olmstead, G. Buchelli, D. Brinkhuizen, M. Cooper, T. Santander, A. Paz and M. Munoz shared unpublished records. Neblina Forest birding tours facilitated access to several sites and tour participants supported my collecting data. Fastly, special gratitude to G. M. Kirwan, H. F. Greeney and B. Palacios for their comments which greatly improved the final version of the manuscript. References: Alava, J. J., Arosemena, X. & Angel, R. 2007. Brown Wood-Rail Aramides ivolfi at El Canclon Lagoon, Manglares-Churute Ecological Reserve, Ecuador. Cotinga 27: 81-82. Arcos-Torres, A. & Solano-Ugalde, A. 2007. First description of the nest, nest site, eggs and nestlings of Narino Tapaculo ( Scytalopus vicinior). Orn. Neotrop. 18: 445-448. Beehler, B. M. 2010. The forgotten science: a role for natural history in the twenty-first century? /. Field Orn. 81: 1-4. Berg, K. S. 2001. Notes on the natural history of the Pale-mandibled Aracari. ]. Field Orn. 72: 258-266. Bird Life International. 2011. 1UCN Red List for birds, www.birdlife.org (accessed 3 March 2011). Dodson, C. H. & Gentry, A. H. 1991. Biological extinction in western Ecuador. Ann. Miss. Bat. Card. 78: 273-295. Freile, J. F. 2008. New distributional records of birds from western Ecuador, and comments on the avifauna of Isla de La Plata. Bull. Brit. Orn. Cl. 128: 233-241. Freile, J. F. & Chaves, J. A. 2004. Interesting distributional records of birds from a cloud-forest reserve in north-western Ecuador. Bull. Brit. Orn. Cl. 124: 6-16. freile, J. F. & Rodas, F. 2008. Conservacion de aves en Ecuador: ^como estamos y que necesitamos hacer? Cotinga 29: 48-55. Freile, J. F. & Santander, T. 2005. Areas importantes para la conservacion de las aves en Ecuador. Pp. 283-470 in Boyla, K. A. & Estrada, A. (eds.) Areas importantes para la conservacion de las aves en los Andes tropicales: sitios prioritarios para la conservacion de la biodiversidad. BirdLife International & Conservation International, Quito. Alejandro Solano-Ugalde 255 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Freile, J. F., Chaves, J. A., Iturralde, G. & Guevara, E. 2003. Notes on the distribution, habitat and conservation of the Cloud-forest Pygmy-owl Glaucidium mibicola in Ecuador. Orn. Neotrop. 14: 275-278. Freile, J. F., Moreano, M. V., Bonaccorso, E., Santander, T. & Chaves, J. A. 2004. Notas sobre la distribution, historia natural y conservacion de algunas aves amenazadas del suroccidente de Ecuador. Cotinga 21: 18-24. Freile, J. F., Carrion, J. M., Prieto Albuja, F. & Ortiz Crespo, F. 2006. La ornitologia en Ecuador: un analisis del estado actual del conocimiento y sugerencias para prioridades de investigation. Orn. Neotrop. 17: 183-202. Greeney, H. F. & Nunnery, T. 2006. Notes on the breeding of north-west Ecuadorian birds. Bull. Brit. Orn. Cl. 126: 38-15. Greenfield, P. J. 2002. Banded Ground-cuckoo ( Neomorphus radiolosus). Pp. 146-147 in Granizo, T., Pacheco, C., Rivadeneira, M. B., Guerrero, M. & Suarez, L. (eds.) Libro Rojo de las aves del Ecuador. SIMBIOE, Conservacion Internacional, EcoCiencia, Ministerio del Ambiente & UICN, Quito. Elenry, P.-Y. 2005. New distributional records of birds from Andean and western Ecuador. Cotinga 23: 27-32. Elilgert, N. 2002. Brown Wood-Rail (Aramide s wolfi). Pp. 128-129 in Granizo, T., Pacheco, C., Rivadeneira, M. B., Guerrero, M. & Suarez, L. (eds.) Libro Rojo de las aves del Ecuador. SIMBIOE, Conservacion Internacional, EcoCiencia, Ministerio del Ambiente & UICN, Quito. Hilty, S. L. & Brown, W. L. 1986. A guide to the birds of Colombia. Princeton Univ. Press. Isler, M. L. & Isler, P. R. 1999. The tanagers: natural history, distribution, and identification. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington DC. Jacome, M. 2002. Black Solitaire [Entomodestes coracinus). P. 400 in Granizo, T., Pacheco, C., Rivadeneira, M. B., Guerrero, M. & Suarez, L. (eds.) Libro Rojo de las aves del Ecuador. SIMBIOE, Conservacion Internacional, EcoCiencia, Ministerio del Ambiente & UICN, Quito. Jahn, O. & Mena- Valenzuela, P. 2002. Pale-mandibled Aracari (Pteroglossus erythropygius). Pp. 260-261 in Granizo, T., Pacheco, C., Rivadeneira, M. B., Guerrero, M. & Suarez, L. (eds.) Libro Rojo de las aves del Ecuador. SIMBIOE, Conservacion Internacional, EcoCiencia, Ministerio del Ambiente & UICN, Quito. Jahri, O., Palacios, B. & Mena- Valenzuela, P. 2007. Ecology, population and conservation status of the Choco Vireo Vireo masteri, a species new to Ecuador. Bull. Brit. Orn. CL 127: 161-166. Kirwan, G. M. & Marlow, T. 1996. A review of avifaunal records from Mindo, Pichincha province, north- western Ecuador. Cotinga 6: 47-57. Karubian, J., Carrasco, L., Cabrera, D., Cook, A. & Olivo, J. 2007. Nesting biology of the Banded Ground- Cuckoo ( Neomorphus radiolosus). Wilson j. Orn. 119: 222-228. Karubian, J., Castaneda, G., Freile, J. F., Salazar, R. T., Santander, T. & Smith, T. B. 2003. Nesting biology of a female Long-wattled Umbrellabird Cephalopterus penduliger in north-western Ecuador. Bird Conserv. Intern. 13: 351-360. Lint, K. C. & Dolan, J. M. (1966) Successful breeding of the Orange-breasted Cotinga (Pipreola jucunda) in the San Diego Zoological Gardens. Avicult. Mag. 72: 18-20. Mena- Valenzuela, P. & Jahn, O. 2002. Berlepsch's Tinamou ( Crypturellus berlepschi). Pp. 98-99 in Granizo, T., Pacheco, C., Rivadeneira, M. B., Guerrero, M. & Suarez, L. (eds.) Libro Rojo de las aves del Ecuador. SIMBIOE, Conservacion Internacional, EcoCiencia, Ministerio del Ambiente & UICN, Quito. Ridgely, R. S. & Greenfield, P. J. 2001. The birds of Ecuador, vol. 1. Cornell Univ. Press, Ithaca, NY. Robbins, M. B. & Glenn, G. S. 1988. First description of the nest and eggs of the Moss-backed Tanager (. Buthraupis [Bangsia] edwardsi). Condor 90: 947-948. Samper, K. C. 1992. Courtship and feeding in the Orange-breasted Fruiteater Pipreola jucunda. Bull. Brit. Orn. CL 112: 133-134. Solano-Ugalde, A. & Arcos-Torres, A. 2007. Nuevo registro de Cuco Hormiguero Franjeado Neomorphus radiolosus en Pichincha, Ecuador. Cotinga 27: 79, 81. Solano-Ugalde, A., Lima, R. & Greeney, H. F. 2010. The nest and eggs of the Beautiful Jay ( Cyanolyca pulchra). Orn. Colombiana 10: 61-64. Schuchmann, K.-L. 1999. Family Trochilidae (hummingbirds). Pp. 468-682 in del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. & Sargatal, J. (eds.) Handbook of birds of the ivorld, vol. 5. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. Stattersfield, A. J., Crosby, M. J., Long, A. J. & Wege, D. C. 1998. Endemic Bird Areas of the world: priorities for biodiversity conservation. BirdLife International, Cambridge, UK. Strewe, R. 2001. Notes on nests and breeding activity of fourteen bird species from southwestern Colombia. Orn. Neotrop. 12: 265-269. Vogt, C. A. 2007. Range extensions and noteworthy records for mainland Ecuador. Bull. Brit. Orn. Cl. 127: 228-233. Address: Natural ITistory of Ecuador Mainland Avifauna Group, Foch y Amazonas, Quito, Ecuador; Fundacion Imaymana, Nayon, Quito, Ecuador; and Neblina Forest Birding Tours, Shyris e Isla Seymour, Quito, Ecuador, e-mail: jhalezion@gmail.com © British Ornithologists' Club 2011 Robert P. Prys-Jones 256 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Type specimens of the Imperial Woodpecker Campephilus imperialis (Gould, 1832) by Robert P. Prys-Jones Received 3 May 201 1 Summary.— This paper addresses long-standing uncertainty regarding the composition of Gould's type series for his name Picus imperialis, 1832, and the source from which they were derived. There is good evidence that he had at least six specimens, collected by Damiano Floresi, to hand when he described the species, and these are identified with reasons. Further, a review is provided of information associated with all nine other early (c. pre-1860) specimens of which the author is aware, none of which can confidently be ascribed syntype status on current knowledge. John Gould (1832) described, as Picus imperialis, a large and striking new species of woodpecker from, as he then thought, 'that little-explored district of California which borders the territory of Mexico'. Beyond the fact that he clearly had both male and female, he gave no indication as to the number of specimens he had before him and never elaborated on this in print subsequently. Likewise, although he discussed the fact that he had both sexes in correspondence, e.g. in a letter to Sir William Jardine on 19 December 1833 that included a sketch of the head of one (Sauer 1998, Snyder et al. 2009), there is no record of how many in total. Flowever, Salvin & Godman (1888-97: 445) later stated unequivocally that Gould 'having obtained five or six skins of it, exhibited some of them at a meeting of the Zoological Society of London held 14th August, 1832'. Salvin & Godman (1888-97: 445) further remarked that 'some years ago' [= 1876, according to the specimen labels] two of these skins, which from their manner of preparation they believed had originated from a mining engineer called Floresi, had passed from Gould, who died in 1881, into their possession. In 1888, Salvin and Godman in turn passed these specimens to the British Museum (Natural History) (BMNH), where they remain as BMNH 1888.8.5.60 (female) and 1888.8.5.61 (male). Neither retains any label from Gould or earlier, but one Salvin & Godman label on each notes 'Type of the species as descr. by Gould. Obtained in exchange for a sp. of Phasianus chrysomelas. See B. Asia Part XXVIII. O.S.' These specimens have consistently been highlighted as syntypes of the species since, e.g. by Hargitt (1890), Warren (1966) and Knox & Walters (1994). However, in the apparent absence of evidence to the contrary (see below), all of Gould's 'five or six' skins must in principle be considered syntypes. An understanding of their current whereabouts and status is therefore important. Snyder et al. (2009) provided an appendix containing a summary of all Imperial Woodpecker specimens of which they became aware during their research, although they overlooked a few early ones (see below). Of these, only a small number, held at BMNH and the National Museums Liverpool, possess clear potential type status through their connection with Gould. For clarity in what follows, information on all specimens mentioned here is summarised in Table 1. Before turning to the specimens themselves, however, it is relevant to consider who Floresi was, how certain it is that he collected the type specimens and how sound was restriction of the type locality of Picus imperialis fo Bolanos, Jalisco, by Nelson (1898). Damiano Flores d'Arcais (G. Chiozzi in litt. May 2011), also known outside Italy as Damiano Robert P. Prys-Jones 257 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) TABLE 1 Summary details for all Imperial Woodpecker Campephilus imperialis specimens discussed in the text. Museum Specimen reg. no. Sex Evidence for syntype status Natural History Museum, Tring, UK1 1838.5.12.1082 & Yes " 1855.12.19.325 ¥ Yes " 1888.8.5.60 ¥ Yes " 1888.8.5.61 c? Yes // unregistered No National Museums Liverpool, UK LM D3868 & Yes " LM D3868a ¥ Yes Museum Heineanum Halberstadt, Germany MHH 7735 0" No Staatliches Museum fur Tierkunde, Dresden, Germany 27743 c? No Museo Civico di Storia Naturale, Milan, Italy MSNM Av 31059 No // MSNM Av 27993 ¥ No Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, USA 19612 ¥ No " 19613 cf No " 19614 ¥ No " 19615 & No 1 Formerly British Museum (Natural History) 2 Also registered as 1988.21.6 3 Specimen no longer extant (see text) Floresi (e.g. Gould 1861: text to pi. 141, Palmer 1928; but spelling per G. Chiozzi in litt. June 2011), was perhaps best known ornithologically as a collector of hummingbirds, but Gould (1856) does explicitly record that he collected Picus imperialis. According to Palmer (1928: 277), Floresi was 'An Italian engineer in charge of a mine operated by an English company at Bolanos, Mexico, where, in 1845, he collected a hummingbird which was named in his honour'. This statement is concordant with the description by Gould (1861: text to pi. 139) of the new species Selasphorus floresii (since shown to be a hybrid) from a single specimen collected in Bolanos by Floresi and sent by the latter to George Loddiges in 1845. However, elsewhere, Gould (1875: text to pi. 6) referred to two specimens of the trogon Trogon neoxenus that he received from Floresi sometime after 1836 as having been taken 'probably in the neighbourhood of the Real del Monte mines, as it was in that district that most of his birds were procured'. Gould (1856: 63) also stressed Floresi's connection with the Real del Monte mines, noting however that he 'travelled himself, and kept collectors, who penetrated into the remotest parts of that country'. The Real del Monte mines (20°08'N, 98°40'W) are in Hidalgo, some considerable distance from those at Bolanos (21°50'N, 103°49'W) in Jalisco. Although Floresi is known to have visited both sites, it was at Bolanos that he was based for a number of years (Todd 1977). Given that the Real del Monte area is also outside the recorded range of the Imperial Woodpecker, a type locality for the species in the vicinity of Bolanos seems highly probable. Floresi, who Gould considered an 'esteemed friend' (Sauer 2006: 111), died prior to May 1853 (Gould 1861: text to pi. 261, first published in a part dated 1 May 1853 [Coues 1879]), 'immediately on landing in Panama' (Gould 1861: text to pi. 142). Further research into the life of Floresi, whose name is also linked to other important Mexican bird specimens, would seem important and has begun (G. Chiozzi & R. P. Prys-Jones unpubl.). Snyder et al. (2009: 151) listed two specimens in the National Museums Liverpool, LM D3868 (male) and LM D3868a (female), as 'received in 1851 from 13th Earl of Derby; J. Robert P. Prys-Jones 258 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Gould syntypes?'. These were not mentioned by Wagstaffe (1978) in his list of avian types, although Wagstaffe did comment on the close relationship that Gould had with the Earl of Derby, whose collection, bequeathed to the city of Liverpool in 1851, forms the nucleus of the National Museums Liverpool bird collection. C. Fisher (in litt. December 2010 and March 2011) has confirmed that label information reveals that the Earl of Derby purchased the specimens directly from Gould. She further considers that this probably occurred during the 1830s, as they both have Lord Derby's original numbers on them, a system that he is thought to have changed during that decade. Other specimens that seem likely on current evidence to have a claim to syntype status are held at BMNH. Knox & Walters (1994) reproduced the label data associated with each of them, but unfortunately also perpetrated several errors in interpretation. The oldest published list of Imperial Woodpecker specimens held at BMNH is that of Gray (1868), who listed three: a male from 'Mr. J. Gould's Collection'; another male lacking any collector data; and a female from 'the Zoological Society's Collection'. All lack date information and are recorded as from 'California', which until 1848 was still politically part of Mexico. This could suggest that Gould's Imperial Woodpecker specimens might have been shipped from California, though this must remain speculative. Just over 20 years later, Hargitt (1890) corrected the locality data for these three specimens to Mexico and also noted that the data-less male and the 'Zoological Society' female were mounted for display (cf. Anon. 1892), whereas the 'Gould' male was a study skin. Although Knox & Walters (1994) referred to the two mounted specimens as 'Not found 1988', they remain on display at the museum's South Kensington site to the present day. It was formerly BMNH policy that specimens designated for display should first have their labels removed, and this is unfortunately true for these specimens. However, details for the 'Zoological Society' female can be determined from the relevant specimen register, which records BMNH 1855.12.19.325 as being a 'Picus imperialis’ purchased from the Zoological Society when it disbanded its museum in that year (Sharpe 1906, Wheeler 1997). This Zoological Society of London (ZSL) specimen is almost certainly one of Gould's type series. Between 1828 and 1837, Gould was working for the ZSL, during which time at least some specimens received by him were deposited in the Society's museum, as he acknowledged in his letter of 19 December 1833 to Sir William Jardine, in which he wrote 'I received it [Picus imperialis ] from California and have both sexes, at least they now form part of the collection of the Zoological Society' (Sauer 1998: 52). Furthermore, Malherbe (1861: 4) referred to a pair of Imperial Woodpeckers he had seen 'dans la collection de la Societe zoologique de Londres'. However, Gould also maintained his own collection and dealt in specimens on his own behalf during the period of his employment, as well as playing a role in the disposal of the ZSL's 'duplicate' specimens (Wheeler 1997). Importantly also, in 1857 he purchased the bird skins still remaining at the ZSL after the dissolution of its museum (Wheeler 1997). In the absence of any useful surviving bird catalogues, distinguishing clearly between ZSL and Gould specimens is difficult. Knox & Walters (1994) assigned a registration number, BMNH 1988.21.6, to the 'Gould' male skin recorded by Gray (1868) and Hargitt (1890) because its label lacked any existing number. However, it is almost certainly BMNH 1838.5.12.108, recorded in the relevant register as 'Picus imperialis Gould. S. America [sic]. Purch. Gould'; interestingly, this specimen series (1838.5.12) from Gould contained numbers of Mexican birds, largely from lamaulipas. It is also probably the specimen mentioned in a letter of 23 July 1838 from Edwin Prince, Gould's secretary (Lambourne 1987), to Gould, who was then en route to Australia. Prince noted that on 18 July he went 'To Brit. Mus. and made out fresh a/cs for the Birds brought in which was included a Picus imperialis omitted by you' (Sauer 1998: Robert P. Prys-Jones 259 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) 264). As such, it may well have been the first example of the species to reach the BMNH (but see below). That it took around 30 years from the date of the first description of a species as striking as Picus imperialis for ornithologists to suggest in print that it originated from Mexico strongly suggests that only a very few batches of specimens reached Europe in the interim. There is in fact no evidence suggesting that Gould received more than one consignment, and good evidence for only one further consignment before 1860: that containing the four specimens received in or slightly before 1836 by John Taylor, a British mining magnate with major business interests in Mexico (Todd 1977), passed on by him to Victor Massena, Due de Rivoli, and which subsequently arrived at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, in 1846 (Gill 1995), where they remain (Snyder et al. 2009; N. H. Rice in litt. March 2011). However, the origins of a few early specimens remain to be established: the data-less BMNH male (Gray 1868); a male that Cabanis (1863) noted as present in the Museum Heineanum, now the Museum Heineanum Halberstadt (MHH); a male that Malherbe (1861) recorded in the Dresden Museum; and a pair that Malherbe (1861) noted as being in his own collection. Many bird specimens received by the BMNH in the mid-19th century were registered under their generic names only, and this includes an array of 'Picus' acquired from both Gould and the ZSL. A potential candidate specimen for the data-less BMNH male is the ZSL male mentioned above, although the lack of a donor's name in Gray (1868) suggests purchase via a dealer may have been involved. However, the provenance of such data-less specimens will only be established with certainty through discovery of relevant archival information. The Museum Heineanum male, now registered as MHH 7735, was acquired from G. A. Frank, a natural history dealer based in Amsterdam (B. Nicolai in litt. January 2011); its provenance is given by Cabanis (1863: 101-102) as '(West-) Mexico', but no collecting or acquisition date is either given or can be deduced. No Imperial Woodpecker specimen now exists in the Staatliches Museum fur Tierkunde, Dresden, but an inventory of April 1881 recorded that an otherwise data-less specimen from 'California' was then present (T. Topfer in litt. April 2011). Its number was 2774, and the catalogue also bears the indication 'A.S.', meaning 'Alte Sammlung' ('old collection'), an abbreviation used for those birds that date from the pre-1849 collection. The lack of yellow underlining to its collection number in the catalogue, which was added for those birds that survived World War II, suggests that the specimen was probably destroyed at this time, like much of the Dresden collection (Roselaar 2003). The collection of Alfred Malherbe (1804-66) was subsequently acquired by Count Turati, whose own collection was incorporated into the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale, Milan (MSNM) in 1884 (Roselaar 2003). Although MSNM also suffered great damage and specimen loss in World War II, Malherbe's pair of Imperial Woodpeckers, acquired by Turati in 1860, survived and information concerning them was summarised by Violani et al. (1984), who also provided a photograph of the male. The male of the mounted pair is MSNM Av 31059 (ex coll. Turati no. 4385) and the female MSNM Av 27993 (ex coll. Turati no. 4386), but the only other information noted is their origin, 'California'. Any of these early specimens discussed in this and the preceding two paragraphs might conceivably have had a link to Gould, but evidence is lacking. Overall, six specimens have strong claims to be considered syntypes of the name Picus imperialis : BMNH 1838.5.12.108 (male— also registered as 1988.21.6), 1855.12.19.325 (female), 1888.8.5.60 (female) and 1888.8.5.61 (male); and LM D3868 (male) and LM D3868a (female). All of these appear to have been part of Gould's original series and no information is available to demonstrate that his description was based only on a subset of them. Robert P. Prys-Jones 260 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Acknowledgments I am extremely grateful to Giorgio Chiozzi, Kevin Clark, Ann Datta, Clemency Fisher, Gary Graves, Maureen Lambourne, Mary LeCroy, Adolfo Navarro, Bernd Nicolai, Nate Rice, Douglas Russell, Frank Steinheimer, Till Topfer and Claire Voisin for information and other assistance during the preparation of this paper. References: Anon. (= Sclater, P. L.) 1892 The bird-gallery in the British Museum. Ibis (6)4: 185-186. Cabanis, J. L. 1863 Museum Heineanum, vol. 4(2). Halberstadt. Coues, E. 1879. Third instalment of American ornithological bibliography. Bull. US Geol. Geog. Survey Territ. 5: 521-1066. Gill, F. B. 1995. Philadelphia: 180 years of ornithology at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Mem. Nuttall Orn. Cl. 12: 1-31. Gould, J. 1832. [Specimens were exhibited of a species of woodpecker, ... ] Proc. Comm. Sci. Corresp. Zool. Soc. Lond. 2: 139-140. Gould, J. 1856. On a new turkey, Meleagris mexicana. Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 24: 61-63. Gould, J. 1861. A monograph of the Trochilidae, or family of humming-birds, 5 vols. Privately published, London. Gould, J. 1875. A monograph of the Trogonidae, or family of trogons. Second edn. Privately published, London. Gray, G. R. 1868. List of the specimens of birds in the collection of the British Museum. Part III. Sections III & IV. Capitonidae and Picidae. Trustees of the Brit. Mus., London. Hargitt, E. 1890. Catalogue of the birds in the British Museum, vol. 18. Trustees of the Brit. Mus., London. Knox, A. G. & Walters, M. P. 1994. Extinct and endangered birds in the collections of the Natural History Museum. British Ornithologists' Club Occ. Publ. 1. Lambourne, M. 1987. John Gould - bird man. Osberton Productions, Milton Keynes. Malherbe, A. 1861. Monographie des Picidees, vol. 1. La Societe d'Histoire naturelle de la Moselle, Metz. Nelson, E. W. 1898. The Imperial Ivory-billed Woodpecker, Campephilus imperialis (Gould). Auk 15: 217-223. Palmer, T. S. 1928. Notes on persons whose names appear in the nomenclature of California birds. Condor 30: 261-307. Roselaar, C. S. 2003. An inventory of major European bird collections. Bull. Brit. Orn. Cl. 123A: 253-337. Salvin, O. & Godman, F. D. 1888-97. Biologia Centrali-Americana. Aves, vol. 2. Taylor & Francis, London. Sauer, G. C. 1998. John Gould the bird man: correspondence, with a chronology of his life and works, vol. 1. Maurizio Martino, Mansfield Centre, CT & Natural History Museum, London. Sauer, G. C. 2006. John Gould the bird man: correspondence, with a chronology of his life and works, vol. 5. Maurizio Martino, Mansfield Centre, CT. Sharpe, R. B. 1906. Birds. Pp. 79-515 in The history of the collections contained in the Natural History Departments of the British Museum, vol. 2. Trustees of the Brit. Mus., London. Snyder, N. F. R., Brown, D. E. & Clark, K. B. 2009. The travails of two woodpeckers: ivory-bills & imperials. Univ. of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque. Todd, A. C. 1977. The search for silver: Cornish miners in Mexico, 1824-1947. Lodenek Press, Padstow. Violani, C., Daturi, A. & Cagnolaro, L. 1984. Uccelli estinti e rari nei Musei naturalistic do Milano, Genova e Firenze. Riv. Ital. Orn. 54: 105-178. Wagstaffe, R. 1978. Type specimens of birds in the Merseyside County Museums. Merseyside County Museums, Liverpool. Warren, R. L. M. 1966. Type-specimens of birds in the British Museum (Natural History), vol. 1. Trustees of the Brit. Mus. (Nat. Hist.), London. Wheeler, A. 1997. Zoological collections in the early British Museum: the Zoological Society's Museum. Arch. Nat. Hist. 24: 89-126. Address: Bird Group, Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring, Herts. HP23 6AP, UK, e-mail: r.prys- jones@nhm.ac.uk © British Ornithologists' Club 2011 Elisa Bonaccorso et al. 261 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Range extensions and other noteworthy bird records from the Ecuadorian Andes by Elisa Bonaccorso, Diana Arzuza, Galo Buitron-jurado, Ana Lucia Charpentier, Mery Juina, Paolo Piedrahia & Juan F. Freile Received 21 June 2011 Summary.— We present the results of nine ornithological expeditions aimed at documenting bird diversity in areas of Ecuador that remain relatively under- explored. The majority of new records were made along the western Andes, either in the central or the southern extensions of the outer slope, suggesting that several species may have more continuous distributions than previously thought. Among the most interesting records are those of Collared Inca Coeligena torquata in western Azuay, Tricoloured Brush Finch Atlapetes tricolor in the Cerro de Celica- Guachanama, in Loja, and White-browed Spinetail Hellmayrea gularis and Bluish Flowerpiercer Diglossa caerulescens in the Cordillera de Chilla, in El Oro. These new records in the south-west of the country suggest that extensive sampling is still needed in this region. We also report new altitudinal records for several species and suggest that they may represent range extensions rather than occasional records. Among South American countries, Ecuador is one of the better studied in terms of its avifauna (Winker 1998). Nevertheless, several species and areas of the country remain poorly known, yet represent important priorities for research and conservation (Freile et al. 2006). Species distributions and biogeographic patterns are not well understood (Krabbe 2008), despite that a major compendium on the country's birds was published within the last decade (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). Nevertheless, new records and range extensions are published regularly (e.g. Freile 2004, Cisneros-Heredia 2006, Solano-Ugalde et al. 2007) and continuous publication of such data is needed to understand the present, past and possible future biogeographic patterns across the country and the Neotropics. Herein, we present the results of nine ornithological expeditions aimed at documenting avian diversity in areas of Ecuador that remain relatively under-explored. Materials and Methods Ornithological field work was carried out in February-December 2009 throughout the Ecuadorian Andes at 1,700-3,400 m. Sites surveyed included tracts of pristine or secondary montane forests. All specimens were collected using mist-nets and prepared as study skins, and are deposited at the Museo de Zoologia (QCAZ), Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Ecuador, in Quito. Previous knowledge of geographic distributions is based on Ridgely & Greenfield (2001), but taxonomy, species sequence and vernacular names follow Remsen et al. (2011). Locality information is provided in Table 1 and Fig. 1. Species accounts COLLARED INCA Coeligena torquata Four specimens (QCAZ 3848, 3865, 3886, 4203) collected at the rio Chipla, Cruzpamba, prov. Azuay, in secondary forest, on 13-17 January 2009, corresponded to C. t. fulgidigula, which Elisa Bonaccorso et al. 262 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) TABLE 1 Localities from where range extensions are reported (Fig. 1). Locality Cordillera de Toisan, San Antonio de Cuellaje, Imbabura Bosque Protector Penas Blancas, Salinas, Bolivar Reserva Ankaku, Pastaza Laguna Culebrillas, Parque Nacional Sangay, Canar Rio Chipla, Cruzpampa, Azuay Cordillera de Chilla, El Oro Huajala, Loja Guachahurco, Parroquia Guachanama, Loja Coordinates Altitude 00°29'39"N, 78°33'57"W 2,657 m 01°25'53.00"S, 79°05'52.00"W 2,637 m 01°16'3.2"S, 78°02'52.4"W 1,679 m 02°25'35.60"S, 78°52T1.90"W 3,971 m 02°44'44.59"S, 79°24'32.11"W 2,464 m 03°30T1.41"S, 79o37'18.80"W 3,193 m 04°06'9.828"S, 79°58'46.704"W 2,100 m 04°01'58.58''S, 79°52T1.06"W 3,102 m also occurs elsewhere on the west slope of the Andes. Although this species is found on both slopes of the Andes, on the west slope it had been reported (at least historically) south only to western Chimborazo (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001), with a recent report from western Bolivar (Freile 2004). Our specimens extend the known distribution on the west slope south to western Azuay. Given that no obvious geographic barrier exists immediately south of this region, the species' range might continue south to the Pucara area, just north of the rio Jubones. GORGETED SUNANGEL Heliangelus strophianus A specimen (QCAZ 3509) from Bosque Protector Penas Blancas, Salinas, prov. Bolivar, taken on 27 May 2009, in a forest fragment with bamboo patches and shrubs, was captured at a forest edge with several shrubs where other individuals were observed visiting Ericaceae Chilma Bi COLOMBIA Cordillera de ToisaTi Bosque Protector Peilas glancas Reserva Ankaku iguna Culebrillas Cordillera deChilla Guachahurco Htfajala Figure I . Map of Ecuador showing our study sites. Elisa Bonaccorso et al. 263 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) flowers. It is found along the west slope of the Andes, continuously through Carchi to Pichincha, with scattered records from Cotopaxi south to El Oro (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). Ours is the first specimen from Bolivar. Whether the species has a continuous distribution along the west slope of the Andes of Ecuador requires elucidation. GREENISH PUFFLEG Haplophaedia aureliae Two specimens (QCAZ 3802, 4204) collected at Reserva Ankaku, in mature forest, on 16 and 18 October 2009 were of the subspecies H. a. russata. Greenish Puffleg is patchily distributed on the east slope of the Andes, but seems more abundant on isolated ridges, such as Volcan Sumaco, the Cordillera del Condor, Cordillera del Cutucu and Cordillera de los Guacamayos (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). Our record from near the Cordillera de los Llanganates confirms its presence in Pastaza from where there were no published records. WHITE-BROWED SPINETAIL Hellmayrea gularis A specimen (QCAZ 3706) was taken in secondary scrub forest at the Cordillera de Chilla, prov. El Oro, on 18 August 2009. The species occurs on both slopes of the Andes; in the west it has been recorded south to Azuay (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). Our specimen extends the known distribution south of the rio Jubones, into the mountains of Chilla. As noted before, this isolated range merits further research to elucidate bird distribution patterns and to understand the role of the rio Jubones as a barrier to species distributions (Krabbe 2008). STREAK-BACKED CANASTERO Asthenes wyatti Three specimens (QCAZ 3874, 3940, 3976) were collected in grassy paramo at Laguna Culebrillas, Parque Nacional Sangay, prov. Cafiar, on 4-5 December 2009. They corresponded to A. w. aequatorialis and are the southernmost specimens of this taxon. Krabbe (2000) reported a population of A. w. aequatorialis as far south as the Cajas plateau, but no specimens have been collected there. The other subspecies in Ecuador, A. zv. azuay, was recently rediscovered by Krabbe (2000) and has been reported as far north as the Altiplano of Tarqui in southern Azuay (03°22'S, 79°11'W). Whether these two forms are geographically isolated or if their plumage differences represent clinal variation is unclear. Although their vocalisations are identical (Krabbe 2000), this might merely reflect recent geographic isolation. FLAMMULATED TREEHUNTER Thripadectes flammulatus Two specimens (QCAZ 3585, 3587) were collected at Bosque Protector Penas Blancas, Salinas, prov. Bolivar, in secondary forest, on 27 and 29 May 2009. Uncommon on both outer slopes of the Andes, and very local above the inter- Andean valley. On the west slope the species has been recorded south to Azuay, at Sural and Portete (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). Our specimens and prior observations from Salinas (Poulsen & Krabbe 1998) confirm the species' presence in Bolivar. SLATY-BLACKED CHAT-TYRANT Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris Two specimens (QCAZ 3825, 3967) collected in secondary forest at the rio Chipla, Cruzpampa, prov. Azuay, on 19 January 2010. Occurs on both slopes of the Andes, but on the west slope it is known to occur south only to Chimborazo (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). Our specimens extend its southernmost limit to western Azuay, on the Cajas plateau, partially supporting the suggestion of Krabbe et al. (1998), who also found the species at Mazan on the east slope of the same plateau (N. Krabbe pers. comm.). Elisa Bonaccorso et al. 264 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) YELLOW-BELLIED CHAT-TYRANT Ochthoeca diadema Four specimens (QCAZ 3550, 3522, 3943, 4206) collected at Bosque Protector Penas Blancas, Salinas, prov. Bolivar, in secondary forest, on 27 May 2009. Found on both slopes of the Andes, but in the west it has been recorded only as far south as Cotopaxi and locally to western Azuay, at Sural (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). Our specimens confirm a previous sight record from Bolivar, at Tiquibuzo (Freile 2004). SLATY THRUSH Turdus nigriceps A male (QCAZ 3873) collected near the canopy of a cloud forest at Huajala, prov. Loja, on 26 February 2009, possessed significant fat but its age was not determined. Known to breed locally in Loja, but available evidence suggests that the species vacates this region during the second half of the year (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER Diglossa caerulescens A specimen (QCAZ 3707) was collected at the Cordillera de Chilla, prov. El Oro, in upper montane forest (3,193 m), on 18 August 2009. The site comprised secondary forest with scattered Spanish Cedar Cedrela montana and Erythriua spp. trees. The species is known from the west Andes south to Pichincha, with scattered records further south (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). Two specimens deposited at the Academy of Natural Sciences Philadelphia collected at Portete (Azuay), and our record from Chilla, suggest this species might be more widespread in south-west Ecuador. Subspecific identification is difficult because differences from specimens taken on the east slope are subtle (i.e., plumage slightly duller overall in the east). Plumage variation in D. caerulescens appears complex, even within east slope populations (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001), and there are two apparently undescribed subspecies, in the north-west (south to Pichincha) and the Cordillera del Cutucu (Fjeldsa & Krabbe 1990). BLACK-CAPPED TANAGER Tangara heinei A specimen (QCAZ 3299) was collected at Chilma Bajo, 57 km west of Tufino on the road to Chical, prov. Carchi, on 24 February 2009. The site was characterised by secondary forest with scattered Spanish Cedar Cedrela montana and Erythrina sp. trees. On the west slope of the Andes, T. heinei has been found locally at Pichincha (in the Tandayapa-Nanegal region) and more recently in southern Imbabura, east of Apuela (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001, Freile 2004). Our specimen represents the northernmost record on the west slope, and comes from an area close to the Colombian border. TRICOLOURED BRUSH FINCH Atlapetes tricolor A specimen (QCAZ 3843) was collected at Guachahurco, Parroquia Guachanama, prov. Loja, in shrubby forest, on 23 February 2010. Widespread and fairly common on the west slope of the Andes, from Esmeraldas south to Pichincha and west Cotopaxi, it has also been recorded at a few localities in Azuay and El Oro (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). Our specimen indicates the species' presence in the Cerro de Celica-Guachanama of Loja and also provides a new upper altitudinal limit, at 3,102 m; it was previously recorded to 2,300-2,400 m, in Cotopaxi (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001). Comparison with material at QCAZ revealed that our specimen corresponds to A. tricolor, and not to A. latinuchus, which normally replaces the first-named species at higher elevations and has been recorded at 1,800-2,800 m in these mountains (N. Krabbe pers. comm.). Elisa Bonaccorso et al. 265 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Altitudinal records We recorded several species outside their usual altitudinal range, as follows. Toucan Barbet Semnornis ramphastinus (QCAZ 3610), at 2,657 m, in the Cordillera de Toisan (Imbabura), on 19 January 2009; mostly recorded at 1,400-2,400 m. Bar-bellied Woodpecker Veniliornis nigriceps (QCAZ 3824) at 2,464 m, at the rio Chipla, Cruzpampa (Azuay), on 18 January 2010; previous lowest records 2,800 m. Red-faced Spinetail Cranioleuca erythrops (QCAZ 3941) at 2,050 m, at Chilma Bajo (Carchi), on 22 February 2009; previous highest record 1,900 m. Scaled Antpitta Grallaria guatimalensis (QCAZ 4205) at 1,679 m, in Reserva Ankaku (Pastaza), on 16 October 2009; recorded mainly below 1,300 m in the eastern foothills. Jelski's Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca jelskii (QCAZ 3840, 3845) at 3,102 m, in Guachahurco (Loja), on 23 February 2010; previously recorded mostly to 2,800 m. Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis (QCAZ 3942) at 2,056 m, at Chilma Bajo, (Carchi), on 25 February 2009; previously reported below 1,800 m. Masked Flowerpiercer Diglossa cyanea (QCAZ 3540-41), at 2,056 m, at Chilma Bajo (Carchi), on 23-25 February 2009; recorded mainly at 2,400-3,500 m in northern Ecuador. Given that continuous habitat exists between these records and the species' usual altitudinal ranges we believe that the above-mentioned records could represent 'real' altitudinal range extensions, at least locally, rather than occasional records. Acknowledgements We are grateful to Daniela Bahamonde and Hector Cadena for their assistance with the preparation of study skins, Maria Dolores Guarderas for coordinating the field trips, Eduardo Toral for facilitating field work at Cordillera de Toisan, and Esteban Guevara and our local assistants for their help during the expeditions. Christian Devenish, Niels Krabbe and Paul Greenfield made valuable comments on this manuscript. The Ministerio del Ambiente del Ecuador authorised our countrywide inventory (permit no. 008-09 IC-FAU- DNB/MA) and the Ponfificia Universidad Catolica del Ecuador granted access to its collections. Funding for this work was provided by the Secretaria Nacional de Educacion Superior, Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacion of Ecuador (PI-C08-0000470). References: Cisneros-Heredia, D. F. 2006. Notes on breeding, behaviour and distribution of some birds in Ecuador. Bull. Brit. Orn. Cl. 126: 153-164. Fjeldsa, J. & Krabbe, N. 1990. Birds of the high Andes. Zool. Mus., Univ. of Copenhagen & Apollo Books, Svendborg. Freile, J. F. 2004. Range extensions and other noteworthy bird records from mainland Ecuador. Bull. Brit. Orn. Cl. 124: 188-202. Freile, J. F., Carrion, J. M., Prieto-Albuja, P., Suarez, L. & Ortiz-Crespo, F. 2006. La ornitologia en Ecuador: un analisis del estado actual y sugerencias para prioridades de investigacion. Orn. Neotrop. 17: 183-202. Krabbe, N. 2000. Rediscovery of Asthenes ivyatti azuay (Chapman 1923) with notes on its plumage variation and taxonomy of the Asthenes anthoides species. Bull. Brit. Orn. Cl. 120: 149-153. Krabbe, N. 2008. Arid valleys as dispersal barriers to high-Andean forest birds in Ecuador. Cotinga 29: 28-30. Ridgely, R. S. & Greenfield, P. J. 2001. The birds of Ecuador. Cornell Univ. Press, Ithaca, NY. Poulsen, O. B. & Krabbe, N. 1998. Avifaunal diversity of five high-altitude cloud forests on the Andean western slope of Ecuador: testing a rapid assessment method. J. Biogeogr. 25: 83-93. Solano-Ugalde, A., Perez, V. & Ahlman, R. 2007. Primeros registros de la Reinita Gorrinegra ( Wilsonia pusilla) en Ecuador. Bol. Soc. Antioqueha Orn. 17: 59-62. Remsen, J. V., Cadena, C. D., Jaramillo, A., Nores, M., Pacheco, J. F., Robbins, M. B., Schulenberg, T. S., Stiles, F. G., Stotz, D. F. & Zimmer, K. J. 2011. A classification of the bird species of South America, www. museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCBaseline.html. Winker, K. 1998. Recent geographic trends in Neotropical avian research. Condor 100: 764-768. Addresses : Elisa Bonaccorso, Centro de Investigacion en Biodiversidad y el Cambio Climatico, Universidad Tecnologica Indoamerica, Machala y Sabanilla, Quito, Ecuador, e-mail: elisabonaccorso@gmail.com. Diana Arzuza, Galo Buitron-Jurado, Ana Lucia Charpentier, Mery Juina & Paolo Piedrahita, Ponfificia Universidad Catolica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 y Roca, Quito, Ecuador. Juan F. Freile, Fundacion Numashir, C.P. 17-12-122, Quito, Ecuador, e-mail: jfreileo@yahoo.com © British Ornithologists' Club 2011 Manuel Marin 266 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) On the breeding biology of Yellowish Flycatcher Empidonax flavescens in Costa Rica by Manuel Marin Received 25 ]une 2011 Summary. —I report data on the breeding biology of Yellowish Flycatcher Empidonax flavescens from the highlands of central Costa Rica. Nesting coincided with the early part of the rainy season. Nests were cup-shaped and constructed of fine grasses, while the outer part was a bulky structure mainly built from mosses. Clutch size was 2-3 eggs and incubation period was 16-17 days. The birds had at least two broods per season and, in some cases, perhaps three broods. The nestling period lasted 15-16 days. Nesting success was very high (81%) which is unusual for a small passerine that constructs an open cup nest. Yellowish Flycatcher Empidonax flavescens is a small tyrannic! that is widespread in subtropical and temperate zones from southern Mexico to western Panama (AOU 1998). In Costa Rica it is a common resident on both slopes at c.600-2,400 m (Stiles & Skutch 1989), and in the centre of the country the species is found particularly around edges, open woodland and along rivers. Although some notes on its behaviour and breeding biology, based on one nest in Guatemala and three nests in Costa Rica, were reported by Skutch (1967), nothing has been published concerning incubation and growth rates. Large quantities of data are available concerning growth rate patterns for many temperate species, but limited comparative data are available for tropical taxa (Ricklefs 1968, Starck & Ricklefs 1998). TIere I report data on growth rates and additional data on the species' breeding biology from observations made in central Costa Rica. Study site and Methods Data for this study were gathered in Costa Rica, in the rio Tiribi area, prov. San Jose (1,900-2,100 m) at 09°57'N 83°55'W. Observations were made primarily in the river canyon, but also in adjacent areas. The site was described in detail by Marin & Stiles (1992) and it was visited in June-August 1995 and May-August 1996-97, with additional observations in June-August 1984-85 and February-September 1986. Visits were made to nests during the incubation and nestling periods at 1-5-day intervals. Body mass was recorded using AVINET spring balances (± 0.1 g) of 10 and or 30 g capacity, depending on nestling age. Culmen length was taken to the nearest 0.1 mm using dial calipers, and wing length (flattened) and tail length using a standard wing rule, following the techniques described by Baldwin et al. (1931). All measurements were recorded prior to 12.00 h. To facilitate individual recognition, nestlings were initially marked using coloured thread and then banded with a numbered plastic band. Egg measurements (Table 1) are based on museum specimens deposited at the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology (WFVZ) and field measurements from the study area. Eggs were measured to the nearest 0.01 mm using digital calipers. Mean egg mass was calculated from museum specimens at WFVZ, using the formula (M=A.L.B:), where L = length, B = breath and k was calculated by regression using fresh egg mass (Hoyt 1979). Egg shapes follow Preston (in Palmer 1962). The incubation period was taken from the laying of the first egg to the hatching of the first egg. The hatching date is recorded age zero on Manuel Marin 267 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) TABLE 1 Dimensions and mass of Yellowish Flycatcher Empidonnx flavescens eggs (n= 25). Parameter Mean SD Range Length (mm) 17.84 0.766 16.48-19.39 Width (mm) 13.91 0.362 13.20-14.78 Mass' (g) 1.93 - 1.7-2.T J Calculated from mean egg measurements; see Methods. b Calculated mass from the smallest and largest egg. the graphs. Adult measurements and body mass were taken from mist-netted birds and specimens at WFVZ, all from the study area. The time for nestlings to grow 10-90% of their body mass (the T ]Q _qQ) period; Case 1978) and the growth rate constant K (Ricklefs 1976) were determined using methods outlined by these authors. Results and Discussion Breeding seasonality.— The rainy season in central Costa Rica starts in April and ends in December, with two rainfall peaks, in May-June and in September-October, and less wet periods in June and August (Marin & Stiles 1992). Nests were found from mid April to mid July, with most being documented in May-June (83%; n=18) during the early wet season. Post mid July, between the peaks of the rainy season, the species was not observed at the study site. Although Skutch (1967) indicated that the season started not earlier than March (he reported fledged young by late April), within the study area the earliest recorded date for fresh eggs was 14 April. The breeding season in the study area coincided with Skutch' s (1950) general findings in Costa Rica that at high altitudes nests are concentrated in April-June. Skutch (1950) indicated that food is most abundant during this period, which coincides also with the main breeding season in the country for many other bird species. Although individual females were not marked, evidence suggests that this flycatcher may produce more than two broods per season. At most nests, after fledging of the first brood, a second nest was constructed in close proximity, adjacent or atop the old nest, and on three occasions a third nest was built post fledging of the second brood. Nest, eggs and incubation.— The nest was well described by Skutch (1967) as 'bulky masses of green moss, or of mosses and liverworts, interlaced with a few fibrous rootlets, horsehair, or similar binding materials.' All of the observed nests were cup-shaped and built of mosses and liverworts, and the cup was lined with very fine and soft dry grasses (Fig. 1A-B). All nests observed or collected (n=27) were constructed on embankments, 24 over running water and three on road embankments. For ten nests the height above the water or ground level was 1.0-3. 2 m (mean 1.9 m). Eggs were creamy white with reddish-brown blotches and spots mostly towards the larger end. Most had a well-defined wreath and some were 'capped' (Fig. IB). Clutch size was 2-3 eggs. Of 27 nests from field or museum specimens, ten clutches comprised two eggs and 17 had three eggs. For four nests Skutch (1967) found that three nests had three eggs and one nest two eggs. Shape ranged mainly from short-subelliptical (69%) to subelliptical (27%) but some were oval (4%) (n= 26). For measurements see Table 1. Incubation period at four nests was 16-17 days, which is longer than in more temperate congeners (Fitzpatrick 2004). Of 21 eggs from nine nests followed in more detail, 17 nestlings (81%) fledged successfully, three failed to hatch and one nestling was found dead at an early age. This Manuel Marin 268 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Figure 1A. Adult Yellowish Flycatcher Empidonax flavescens on the nest, and (B) nest and eggs of Yellowish Flycatcher (Manuel Marin) Figure 2A-C. Growth curves for three parameters from 18 nestlings of Yellowish Flycatcher Empidonax flavescens in Costa Rica. The solid horizontal line represents the mean size of adults (see text). rate of productivity is relatively high for a small tropical passerine that builds an open- cup nest (Skutch 1976). 50 45 40 ! 35 X 30 | 25 UJ _i 20 < 15 I- 10 5 0 C 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 Nestling development.— 1 followed the age (days) full development of seven nestlings, from three nests, from hatching through fledgling and 11 nestlings from four nests, with partial data ranging from one to four measurements per nestling. The nestlings hatched almost completely naked, with a few buff-coloured down feathers on the back and head. The body was yellowish orange, with the gape flanges bright yellow and the gape yellowish orange. The bill was yellowish with a grey tone to the tip and the claws were orange-yellow. Hatching mass was 1.9 g (15% of adult size; adult mass [sexes combined] was 12.6 g ± 0.47; ;/=4). Maximum mass in nestlings was reached just prior to fledging. The maximum mass reached by nestlings from a brood size of two was 14.7 g (116% of adult size) but in a brood of three was 13.5 g (107% adult size), i.e. 8.1% difference (Fig 2A). The overall TU) w was 9.7 days and K was 0.453. 1 have no comparable data from the tropics, but in Pacific- slope Flycatcher Empidonax dijficilis, a temperate breeding species with a larger clutch si/e (up to five eggs) and of similar mass (9-12 g) these values are 10.1 days and K =0.436 (Ricklefs 1968, Fitzpatrick 2004), i.e. slightly slower than Yellowish Flycatcher. The larger Manuel Marin 269 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) (15 g) Willow Flycatcher E. traillii has a faster growth with values of 9.3 days and K=0A72 (Ricklefs 1968). No clear pattern to its development exists because (a) Yellowish Flycatcher contrasts with the general trend that tropical birds develop slower than temperate species, but (b) it is in accordance with overall trends that smaller species develop faster (Ricklefs 1968, 1983). Maximum wing length prior to fledging was 48.5 mm, 77% of adult size (63.2 mm ± 2.36; n=7: Fig. 2B) and the tail reached a maximum of 20 mm, 40.1% adult size (49.8 mm ± 1.86; n=7) (Fig. 2C). Tarsus length by age 11 days was adult size (16.2 mm ± 0.69; n=7) and culmen length reached a max. 74.5% of adult size at fledging (adult size 10.2 mm ± 0.11; n=7). The eyes were closed on hatching and about half-open by days 5-6. By age 5-7 days buffy down was dominant on the head and back, and pin feathers on the wings were close to bare sheath. On days 5-6 the yellowish feathers on the chest and body-sides were ready to sprout and they broke sheath on days 7-8. By age 9-10 days the rectrices had broken sheath. By days 11-12 the young were very active and were apt to jump from the nest when approached. Nestlings fledged at age 15-16 days, but in one nest Skutch (1967) found that the nestlings remained 17 days. Acknowledgements I thank ]. Babin, R. Corado and A. Jackson for field assistance in Costa Rica. Permits to work in Costa Rica were provided by the Ministerio de Recursos Naturales Energia y Minas, and I am very grateful to Licenciado Javier Guevara and J. Sanchez who facilitated these. The data presented here were gathered peripheral to other ecological studies and field work was supported by the Chapman Fund of the American Museum of Natural History, New York, the National Geographic Society (Grants NGS # 5680-96 and 5870- 97) and the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology. This paper benefited greatly by comments by D. A. Oehler, and the referee, Harold Greeney. References: American Ornithologists' Union. 1998. Check-list of North American birds. Seventh edn. American Ornithologists' Union, Washington DC. Baldwin, S. P., Oberholser, H. C. & Worley, L. G. 1931. Measurements of birds. Sci. Publ. Cleveland Mus. Nat. Hist. 2: 1-165. Case, T. J. 1978. On the evolution and adaptative significance of postnatal growth rates in terrestrial vertebrates. Quarterly Rev. Biol. 55: 243-282. Fitzpatrick, J. W. 2004. Family Tyrannidae (tyrant-flycatchers). Pp. 170M62 in del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. & Christie, D. A. (eds.) Handbook of the birds of the world, vol. 9. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. Hoyt, D. F. 1979. Practical methods of estimating volume and fresh weight of birds eggs. Auk 96: 73-77. Marin, M. & Stiles, F. G. 1992. On the biology of five species of swifts (Apodidae, Cypseloidinae) in Costa Rica. Proc. West. Found. Vert. Zool. 4: 287-351. Palmer, R. S. 1962. Handbook of North American birds, vol. 1. Yale Univ. Press, New Haven, CT. Ricklefs, R. E. 1968. Patterns of growth in birds. Ibis 110: 419-451. Ricklefs, R. E. 1976. Growth rates of birds in the humid New World tropics. Ibis 118: 179-207. Ricklefs, R. E. 1983. Avian postnatal development. Pp. 1-83 in Farner, D. S., King, J. R. & Parkes, K. C. (eds.) Avian biology, vol. 7. Academic Press, New York & London. Skutch, A. F. 1950. The nesting seasons of Central American birds in relation to climate and food supply. Ibis 92: 185-222. Skutch, A. F. 1967. Life histories of Central American highland birds. Publ. Nuttall Orn. Cl. 7. Nuttall Orn. Cl., Cambridge, MA. Skutch, A, F. 1976. Parent birds and their young. Univ. of Texas Press, Austin. Starck, J. M. & Ricklefs, R. E. 1998. Avian growth rate data set. Pp. 381-423 in Starck, J. M. & Ricklefs, R. E. (eds.) Avian groivth and development, evolution within the altricial-precocial spectrum. Oxford Univ. Press, New York. Stiles, F. G. & Skutch, A. F. 1989. A guide to the birds of Costa Rica. Cornell Univ. Press, Ithaca, N.Y. Address: Museum of Natural Science, 119 Foster Hall, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, USA. Present address: Casilla 15 Melipilla, Chile, e-mail: mma95@hotmail.com © British Ornithologists' Club 2011 Hadoram Shirihai et al. 270 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) A new taxon in the Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens complex by Hadoram Shirihai, Guy M. Kirzvan & Andreas J. Helbigf Received 3 July 2011 Summary. — We describe a new taxon in the Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens complex, from the basalt desert of eastern Jordan and southern Syria. This population has been almost universally considered to represent a melanistic colour morph of nominate O. lugens, but it also differs from any other member of the complex in lacking rufous undertail-coverts. It further differs from O. /. lugens in rump pattern and morphometries. 'Morph' status is inappropriate, because the population is geographically restricted, whereas colour morphs are typically evident throughout the distributional range of a taxon. Suggestions that mixed pairings of pale- and black-morph birds occur are refuted by recent evidence. The new taxon has the wing formula and white wing panel of the lugens complex, but is closest in these respects to O. /. persica, whereas the largely black plumage makes it virtually identical to male Variable Wheatears O. picata opistholeuca. Because mtDNA analysis suggests that the new taxon is inseparable from O. /. lugens, we describe it at subspecies level. Remarks concerning distribution and conservation are presented, along with considerations for future research. The Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens complex has traditionally been considered to comprise eight, mainly sedentary subspecies (Ripley 1964, Collar 2005), as follows: (1) O. /. lugens (M. H. C. Lichtenstein, 1823) in the Levant south to north-west Saudi Arabia, eastern Egypt and north-east Sudan; (2) O. /. halophila (Tristram, 1859) in North Africa roughly from Libya as far as Morocco; (3) O. /. persica (Seebohm, 1881) in southern and western Iran, wintering mostly in eastern Arabia; (4) O. 1. lugentoides (Seebohm, 1881) in the highlands of south-west Saudi Arabia and western Yemen; (5) O. 1. boscaweni G. L. Bates, 1937, in north-east Yemen and southern Oman; (6) O. /. lugubris (Riippell, 1837) in the highlands of Eritrea and north and central Ethiopia, (7) O. /. vauriei R. Meinertzhagen, 1949, in north-east Somalia; and O. /. schalowi (G. A. Fischer & Reichenow, 1884), in southern Kenya and north- east Tanzania, at the southern limits of the complex. These taxa fall into three or four groups, some of which are increasingly separated as species (e.g., Porter et al. 1996, Panov 2005, Svensson et al. 2009, Jennings 2010), namely O. lugens (including halophila and persica; Mourning Wheatear, with the former sometimes separated as Maghreb Wheatear O. halophila), O. lugentoides (including boscaiveni; South Arabian Wheatear), O. lugubris (including vauriei; Abyssinian Black Wheatear) and O. schalowi (Schalow's Wheatear), with the latter two frequently 'lumped'. Some authors have gone further. For example. Porter & Aspinall (2010) recognised O. /. lugens and O. /. persica at species level, under the vernacular name Eastern Mourning Wheatear, but Forschler et al. (2010) published molecular data to support splitting persica off from lugens. The latter study, the only published genetic data to date, recommended treating four species-level groupings, O. lugens, O. persica, O. lugentoides and O. lugubris. Nonetheless, some authorities have maintained a single species (e.g.. Collar 2005), whilst others recognise only a two-way split (Zimmerman et al. 1996, Dickinson 2003) between those forms in North Africa and the Middle East, and those in East Africa. One unresolved issue is the status of the population inhabiting the basalt deserts of north-east Jordan and southern Syria, as well as perhaps adjacent north-west Saudi Arabia Hadoram Shirihai et al. 271 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Figures 1-2. First-summer male Basalt Wheatear Oenanthe lugens warriae, showing the nearly all-black plumage, with white undertail-coverts, small white rump patch and basal tail feathers, between Azraq and Ar Ruwayshid, Jordan, April 2000 (Hadoram Shirihai); aged and sexed by combination of juvenile-retained remiges and primary-coverts (only tiny white spots remain on their tips due to wear, but these are still diagnostic), and highly glossed black plumage. Hadoram Shirihai et al. 272 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Hadoram Shirihai et al. 273 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) (see Tye 1994, Jennings 2010), which has been more or less universally treated as a black 'morph' of nominate lugens. Although two specimens (both in the Natural History Museum, Tring) have been available for many decades, it was only in the 1960s that the presence of a virtually all-dark Oenanthe population in this region was realised by J. Ferguson-Lees and D. I. M. Wallace (see Nelson 1973, Wallace 1983). They, along with subsequent observers such as Macfarlane (1978) and Clarke (1981), attributed their observations to O. picata opistholeuca. Only with the simultaneous publication of Tye (1994) and Andrews (1994) was it accepted that this population represented a black morph of O. lugens, although L. Cornwallis in Cramp (1988) had already suggested that the typical wing pattern of O. /. lugens found in these birds was evidence of their true affinity. This interpretation has stood largely unchallenged until now, with the exception of brief remarks in van der Vliet & Lange (1997), whilst Khoury et al. (2010) suggested that the basalt desert population of O. lugens might warrant 'independent taxonomic status from the typical morph of lugens'. However, a molecular study (using the 16S and coxl mitochondrial genes) published concurrently to Khoury et al. (2010) by some of the same team suggested that the basalt population 'is best treated as a colour morph of the subspecies O. lugens lugens, since our genetic data ... reveals no difference', and that 'its colouration might be regarded as a morphological adaptation to the local conditions in the black-basalt shield' (Forschler et al. 2010: 764-765). HS's interest in this population began on his first visit to Tring in 1985, when he found that the 'black wheatear' of eastern Jordan belonged with lugens and not picata, based on wing formula and that the female specimen held there was quite unlike that of the sexually dimorphic O. p. opistholeuca. The interest has continued during preparations for a monograph on the Oenanthe (Shirihai et al. in prep.), and together with the late A. J. Helbig, HS visited its breeding range in April 2000 and 2001, taking blood samples and making detailed observations. They became convinced that the basalt population merited taxonomic recognition, despite finding very low mitochondrial genetic divergence from lugens, but these findings went unpublished due to AJH's sudden death in October 2005. Although research into the basalt population is still ongoing, by ourselves, and others, we believe that the arguments for its taxonomic recognition are sufficiently powerful to describe it as: Oenanthe lugens warriae, subsp. nov., Shirihai & Kirwan Basalt Wheatear Holotype. — Natural History Museum, Tring (BMNH 1947.14.214); first-year female collected by W. K. Bigger at 'Aneizeh, Transjordan', on 9 November 1926, and originally labelled 'Oenanthe leucopyga' by the collector. Tye (1994) speculated that this locality is modern-day Jabal Aneiza (Unayzah) on the border between Jordan, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, at 32°15'N, 39°15'E; we have no reason to doubt this, despite lying outwith the known breeding range (I. J. Andrews in Tye 1994), especially given that other evidence demonstrates Legend to plate on opposite page Figure 3. Basalt Wheatear Oenanthe lugens warriae, in its characteristic basalt desert habitat, where it frequents wadi sides with more open soil cover, larger and variably-shaped rocks, and sometimes low bluffs, between Azraq and Ar Ruwayshid, Jordan, April 2000 (Hadoram Shirihai) Figure 4. Habitat of Basalt Wheatear Oenanthe lugens warriae, the desolate rolling boulder fields (often broken by low bluffs or road cuttings with boulder piles — as in the background here), between Azraq and Ar Ruwayshid, Jordan, April 2000 (Hadoram Shirihai) Figure 5. Basalt Wheatear Oenanthe lugens warriae shares its habitat with another endemic passerine taxon, the darkest subspecies of Desert Lark Ammomanes deserti annae, between Azraq and Ar Ruwayshid, Jordan, April 2000 (Hadoram Shirihai) Hadoram Shirihai et al. 274 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) the new taxon's capacity to appear outside the breeding range (see below). Label data: ovary small (annotated separately as being 'non-existent'); bill and legs black; irides dark brown; stomach contents seeds. Measurements of the holotype, other specimens and live birds of the new taxon appear in Table 1. Examination of feather wear and moult pattern (primary- coverts juvenile-retained) suggest that the holotype is a first-winter (Figs. 6-7). Other specimens. — Another specimen of O. 1. ivarriae is also held at BMNH, a presumed young female (short wing, overall browner hue to the black feathers, and reduced white in the remiges) from the Gould collection (BMNH 1881.5.1.933), which lacks a date and is labelled simply 'Egypt'. Because of the lack of good-quality locality or other data associated with this specimen, we refrain from assigning it paratype status. As noted by Tye (1994), Gould's localities are not always correct, but warriae has recently been photographed in Egypt (S. Baha El Din in Demey 2011), and this taxon may regularly disperse some distance (see below). Three additional specimens, of which two were described by Andrews (1994), are present in two Jordanian museums, but they have not been examined by us and are not assigned paratype status here. Nevertheless, we included measurements from the two birds detailed by Andrews (1994) in our analysis (Table 1) and studied photographs of one of them in Andrews (1994). Additional material examined / field ivork. — YJe examined specimens of the entire O. lugens complex ( halophila , lugens, warriae, persica, lugentoides, boscaiveni, lugubris, vauriei and schalowi ) at BMNH and the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH; New York). In particular, we studied variation in nominate lugens and persica at BMNH (see Table 1), but HS also studied 32 specimens mostly assigned to nominate lugens and which could be aged and sexed, in Tel Aviv University Zoological Museum. We have studied the following taxa in the field: halophila (GMK, in Morocco), lugens (GMK & HS, in Israel), warriae (HS in Jordan), lugentoides (GMK, in Yemen), boscaweni (GMK, in Oman and Yemen), lugubris (HS, in Ethiopia) and schalowi (HS, in Tanzania). Detailed field observations of warriae in Jordan involved 12 birds in 2000 and 17 in 2001, in the basalt desert roughly between Safawi and Ar Ruwayshid. To better understand individual (and age / sex) variation, especially the development of the white remiges pattern in nominate lugens dedicated field work was conducted in Israel's Negev Desert in October 2011. Forty-two individuals were observed, of which 11 were photographed in the field and 12 in the hand. Description of holotype.— Colour names and numbers follow Smithe (1975). Between Colors 119 (Sepia) and 82 (Blackish Neutral Gray) over the head, neck, mantle, scapulars, upper back, and throat to lower belly, including the thighs, with bluish sheen that is strongest on the upperparts (none of the O. /. lugens examined show this as strongly or as extensively; at most slightly on scapulars and lesser coverts). Wings between Colors 119A (Hair Brown) and 219 (Sepia), but the longest and shortest tertials are new, adult-like, and approach the colour of the rest of the upperparts. Greater coverts closest to Color 219 (Sepia). Subterminal tail band and rl same colour as the wings, but r2 on the right side of the tail and rr3-5 on the left side are new, adult-like and approach the rest of the upperparts in colour. White tips to the retained juvenile primary-coverts. Very narrow whitish-grey bases on the inner webs of the primaries, with very steep penetration to the bases of these feathers. First primary (pi) relatively short (about equal to the primary-coverts) and all dark greyish on the underside (all nominate O. lugens invariably have 25-75% of the inner web bright white at the base or the tip). Adult males of warriae also have the underside of pi grey. Underwing-coverts as body, contrasting with the rest of the underwing, which is off-white. Emargination on pp3-5, and shallowly and short on p6. Rest of plumage (rump, uppertail-coverts and remainder of tail) is white; the undertail-coverts are essentially also white, but some feathers are partially washed pale sandy-cream (visible in certain light / angles). Hadoram Shirihai et al. 275 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) -o *-< x qj > xx cn 3 a _Q <8 > X > a c P 3 O 6 (8 ta tn t: OJ f.' 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B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Figures 6-7. Holotype of Basalt Wheatear Oenanthe lugens warriae (BMNH 1947.14.214; the top bird in both figures) compared to Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe l. lugens (bottom; BMNH 1926.9.20.25, Jericho) (Hadoram Shirihai / © Natural History Museum, Tring). The holotype was originally misidentified as White-crowned Wheatear O. leucopyga by the collector, subsequently assigned to Variable (Eastern Pied) Wheatear O. picata opistholeuca, and only in 1985 realised to be most closely related to O. lugens. These images show its unique characters, especially the black underparts, the lack of any peachy rufous colour on the undertail-coverts, the all-black head, small white rump, and the relatively broad subterminal tail-band. • Diagnosis.— Readily distinguished from the rest of the O. lugens complex by the lack of any deep buff, peachy to pale orange-rufous coloration on the undertail-coverts, which feature characterises all of the other taxa mentioned above. The undertail-coverts are essentially white or dusky white, but often tinged sandy cream or grey, apparently due to discoloration by the local soil. Nevertheless, even in such birds, this sandy hue is never extensive or as contrastingly peachy orange as in O. 1. lugens. The almost completely black plumage, without any pale feathers on the crown, nape or underparts, provides a further obvious distinction from the rest of the complex. Further, the amount and pattern of white in the remiges are an important taxonomic distinction across the lugens complex. The pattern of white in warriae is very different from that in all ages of nominate lugens, and only superficially closer to persica (Appendices 1-2). Despite the limited sample for warriae compared to O. 1. lugens, the geographically most proximate taxon, morphometric differences appear rather significant, namely the longer wing and tail (c.5% longer and virtually no overlap in males: Table 1) but shorter bill (c.2.5% with extensive overlap), and the distinctly smaller white rump / uppertail-coverts patch but broader black subterminal band (in both latter 30-40% differences and no overlap with O. 1. lugens). These last two features are significant in Oenanthe taxonomy, playing major roles in display / territory signalling. The much shorter distance between the primary-coverts and first primary (pi, the outermost), but considerably longer distance between pi and p2, provide further means of separation, at least in the hand, and some of these mensural characters also apply vis-a-vis other populations of O. lugens sensu lato. See Table 1 and Figs. 6-9. Morphometric data, both those published here and those recently presented by Forschler et al. (2010: 764), suggest that warriae is closest to O. 1. persica, and a detailed study of the ecomorphology of warriae, like that conducted by Kaboli et al. (2007) for many other wheatears, might prove interesting. O. 1. warriae to some extent approaches North African O. 1. halophila in that males of the latter have reduced white in the remiges and paler huffish undertail-coverts. Moreover, warriae has a small white rump like males of the southern Arabian O. lugentoides (adult males also share a rather similar white pattern in the primaries, and both taxa have dusky-coloured juvenile plumages); the molecular relationship of these two has not been compared, cf. Forschler et al. (2010). O. 1. warriae and lugentoides broadly occupy the northern and southern ends of the Arabian Plate, respectively, while their Hadoram Shirihai et al. 280 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Figure 8. Tail pattern of Basalt Wheatear Oenanthe lugens warriae from above, between Azraq and Ar Ruwayshid, Jordan, April 2000 (Hadoram Shirihai) Figure 9. Tail patterns of Basalt Wheatear Oenanthe lugens warriae (left-hand bird: BMNH 1947.14.214) and O. /. lugens (BMNH 1926.9.20.25, at right) from below. Basalt Wheatear has the broader black tail-band, as well as mostly white (not rufous) undertail-coverts, but sometimes partially tinged sandy cream (like here), dusky white or greyish on some feathers (Hadoram Shirihai / © Natural History Museum, Tring) white rump and remiges patterns closely recall O. lugubris of the East African Rift Valley. However, within the context of O. lugens sensu Into, halophila, lugentoides and lugubris are all sexually dimorphic. O. /. warriae is intermediate between the monomorphic and truly dimorphic taxa in the complex, especially in wing pattern compared to O. /. lugens, and with experience most birds can be sexed if correctly aged (see Appendix 1). Further, Khoury et al. (2010) also found that warriae has a distinctive dark juvenile plumage. The longer, more pointed wings of warriae suggest that it undertakes substantial post-breeding dispersal, which corresponds with records in south-east Turkey, south Israel (for both see Distribution, habitat and conservation), and Egypt (see above). This dispersal resembles persica, but is unlike nominate lugens, which disperses only short distances, including altitudinally (Shirihai 1996, Khoury et al. 2010). In the field, separation of O. /. warriae from male Variable Wheatear O. picata opistholeuca (which is often relegated to morph status in the literature; see discussion under Taxonomic rank) is extremely difficult. Both BMNH specimens were formerly treated as this taxon, until Tye (1994) elucidated their true identity. However, contra Tye (1994), both specimens are young females, aged and sexed by the combination of spotty white (juvenile-retained) primary-covert tips, the less intense black plumage (even slightly brownish-tinged in the Egyptian specimen) and especially the very limited greyish white on the inner webs of the remiges. They thus hardly differ from male opistholeuca in wing pattern. Adult warriae, especially males, possess more white on the inner webs of the remiges (almost comparable to persica: cf. Figs. 10-11 vs. Fig. 18) than in any male opistholeuca. However, the pale panel is hardly visible in flight in young birds, especially females (e.g. Figs. 13, 14 and 16), being much like opistholeuca, meaning that separation must focus on structural characters. And vice versa, male opistholeuca can be excluded using this feature only if compared to an adult male warriae. Any vagrant warriae or male opistholeuca will require full documentation with photographs and, preferably, an in-the-hand examination of the wing (see below). In general, opistholeuca has a proportionately longer tail, affording it a slimmer appearance than warriae, broader spacing between the primaries, and the wingtip (pp3-4) usually shows only four obvious primary tips beyond the bunched secondaries, with a notably shorter distance between them and p7. In Basalt Wheatear, however, usually five closely spaced primary tips are visible (apart from the wingtip), and the distance between p7 and the secondaries is wider. These differences appear consistent and are the best means Hadoram Shirihai et al. 281 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) to separate the two taxa, but only if the birds' plumage is not heavily worn or in moult. A supporting character is the tail-band, averaging slightly broader in warriae and more even on both webs of r6, but in opistholeuca narrower and tends to be less even, with dark on the outer webs averaging longer still, forming a pattern recalling Pied Wheatear O. pleschanka or Black-eared Wheatear O. hispanica. Due to its shorter tail and longer wings, in Basalt Wheatear the distance between the wingtip and the proximal edge of the tail-band is usually shorter. The plumages of the two taxa, in general, are surprisingly similar, but warriae tends to have the black lower belly more clearly demarcated from the white undertail-coverts, whereas in opistholeuca the border is more diffuse, with more white feathers admixed and usually reaches the undertail-coverts at the sides, leaving a paler central area; however, there is overlap due to individual variation. The juvenile primary-coverts of warriae, like all O. lugens sensu lato, possess broader whitish tips (bolder and concentrated on the tips of the inner webs) with indistinct narrow fringes to the outer webs, which with wear become a line of spots (again, more distinct on the inner webs). In young male opistholeuca the tips / fringes are more even, extend further along the edge on the outer webs and do not form a spotted pattern with wear (cf. Figs. 2 and 19 of warriae vs. Fig. 21 of male opistholeuca). On landing, opistholeuca frequently engages in deep bobbing, whereas such behaviour is infrequent and less obvious in O. lugens, but individual variation probably renders this of limited use. In the hand, warriae can be separated by wing formula: p2 = p5/6, with emarginated pp3-5 (none or very indistinct on p6); in opistholeuca p2 = p6 or 6/7, with emarginated pp3-6 (the vast majority have clearly emarginated p6, but in some this is rather indistinct; Shirihai & Svensson in press). Further, in warriae the pi falls about level with the tips of the primary- coverts (pi > pc, mean 0.6 mm; Table 1), whereas in opistholeuca it usually is much longer (pi > pc 2. 5-7.5 mm, mean 4.9 mm; Shirihai & Svensson in press, Shirihai et al. in prep), which sometimes can even be detected in the field (compare Figs. 20 and 21). Separation of warriae from White-crowned Wheatear O. leucopyga, which also occurs in eastern Jordan, to where it has apparently spread recently (Andrews et al. 1999, Khoury et al. 2010), is easier, even for individuals that are wholly or largely black-crowned (mostly first-years), using tail pattern, as in leucopyga it is almost always only / mostly the central rectrices that are black. Very rarely leucopyga develops a complete, inverted black T shape pattern on the tail, like opistholeuca and warriae, but remains diagnostically strongly glossed and is a larger bird. The geographically distant Black Wheatear O. leucura (Iberia and north- west Africa) is also difficult to separate from opistholeuca and warriae, but is distinctly larger and more heavily built, and its wing structure very different, especially the considerably shorter primary projection but longer pi (Shirihai & Svensson in press). With hindsight, the lack of knowledge of Basalt Wheatear has caused it to be misidentified as all the above taxa, including the type specimen and the first two Israeli records (see p. 286). No published analysis of vocalisations is available, although HS noted, during his observations in 2000-01, that the song of O. 1. warriae is more complex, overall lower pitched, albeit with higher warbling sounds admixed, and lacks some of the deep fluting notes of O. /. lugens. These conclusions require more detailed study that should include the undescribed vocalisations of O. 1. persica. Colour illustrations or photographs of the new taxon appear in a number of works, notably Andrews (1994, 1995: Plate 27), van der Vliet & Lange (1997), Andrews et al. (1999: 29; a leucistic bird). Boon (2004: 230), Collar (2005: Plate 80), Balmer & Murdoch (2009: 218), Svensson et al. (2009), Khoury et al. (2010) and Porter & Aspinall (2010: 311). Distribution, habitat and conservation.— As a breeder O. /. warriae is found almost exclusively in the basalt deserts of eastern Jordan and southern Syria (Fig. 22). Its range reaches as far south and west as the near environs of Azraq, Shaumari and Umari in Jordan (Clarke 1981, Andrews 1994), perhaps east to Jabal Aneiza on the border between Jordan, Hadoram Shirihai et al. 282 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Figures 10-15. Age and sex variation in Basalt Wheatear Oenanthe lugens warriae, between Azraq and Ar Ruwayshid, Jordan, April 2000 (Hadoram Shirihai). Left three images (Figs. 10-12) of an adult male and right three images of a first-summer female (Figs. 13-15) (measurements of these birds are in Table 1). Note the blacker-blue gloss to the adult male, which can be aged by the lack of any strong moult contrast in the wing, the strongly textured and uniformly black adult remiges, primary-coverts and tail, whilst the primary- coverts lack any white tips. The young female is less glossed and somewhat browner on the dark areas, with worn and bleached, juvenile-retained remiges and primary-coverts; the latter also possess white spots on their tips. The adult male has broader and purer white inner webs, visible on both surfaces, which are either reduced or lacking in the young female. The white on the inner webs does not reach the shafts, but does reach the base of the feathers, while the first primary is very short, and the broad black tail-band makes warriae closer in morphology to O. /. persica than to the geographically proximate O. I. lugens. These and other plumage features, especially overall coloration, make this taxon virtually identical to male Variable Wheatear O. picata opistholeuca, especially first-summer female warriae which lack, or almost lack, the white upperwing panel. Only two diagnostic characters separate first-summer female warriae from male opistholeuca: the more pointed wingtip and longer primary projection with more evenly spaced primary tips and one extra visible primary, and the spotty white lips to the post-juvenile primary-coverts in Basalt Wheatear. Hadoram Shirihai et al. 283 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Hadoram Shirihai et al. 284 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Legends to plate on p. 283 Figure 16. First-summer male Basalt Wheatear Oenanthe lugens warriae, southern Syria, February 2009 (Nicolas Martinez): note combination of worn, browner primaries, forming moult contrast with the secondary-coverts, and juvenile-retained primary-coverts with still some, very tiny, whitish tips, as well as blacker-blue gloss to the dark feathers. The lack of visible white on the inner webs of the remiges (even on the stretched wing) confirms that it is a young bird, and thus cannot be separated using this feature from male Variable Wheatear O. picata opistholeuca. Compare with adult male warriae (Fig. 10) which has visible white on the inner webs of the remiges. Figure 17. Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe l. lugens, southern Israel, July 2008 (Amir Ben Dov). Nominate race cannot be sexed (male-like plumage occurs in females), but the uniform adult remiges, primary-coverts and tail age this bird as an adult (that has just ended its annual complete post-breeding moult). Note that unlike both O. 1. warriae and O. 1. persica, the white on the inner webs of the remiges reaches the shafts. Figure 18. Mourning Wheatear with Oenanthe lugens persica-like characters, Palmyra, southern Syria, February 2009 (Nicolas Martinez). Note especially the persica-\\ke narrow white patches on the inner webs of the remiges that do not reach the shafts, and the broad black tail-band. The latter makes O. /. persica and warriae closer in morphology to each other, than to O. 1. lugens. Note also the evenly feathered wing (especially the lack of juvenile-retained primary-coverts), which confirms the bird is an adult and that the regimes pattern is not that of a young lugens. Because O. 1. persica is migratory, such birds could have been wintering away from their usual winter range. Iraq and Saudi Arabia (Tye 1994; see holotype), although its main range in Jordan probably reaches no further east than around Ar Ruwayshid. In the north and east it enters Syria as far at least as Jabal Sis (33°18'N, 37°22'E), south-east of Damascus (Macfarlane 1978, Baumgart et al. 1995). Further north, in the central Syrian desert, around Palmyra (34°33.196'N, 38°17.15'E)/ only more typically plumaged Mourning Wheatears are present (Serra et al. 2005), though see below. Its Jordanian range was mapped in Andrews (1994, 1995). Although the ex-Gould collection specimen labelled 'Egypt' cannot be taken alone as proof that O. 1. warriae performs longer-distance dispersal, there is another, far more recent claim (not yet assessed by the Egyptian records committee), a bird photographed at Shalatein, on 2 December 2010 (cf. Demey 2011). Records also exist from Israel, in December 1982 (E. Doverat), February 1986 (HS) (these two records were misidentified as Black and Variable Wheatears, respectively; Shirihai in prep.), December 1994 (Shirihai 1996), December 2004 (J. P. Smith & Y. Perlman: Fig. 19) and January 2010 (U. Makover) and, even more remarkably, one in south-east Turkey apparently nesting with a female Finsch's Wheatear O. finschii in spring 2011. In this context, a recent molecular study uncovered evidence of a close relationship between O. finschii and O. lugens (Aliabadian et al. 2007). Most observers resident in Jordan and Syria for longer periods have suggested the existence of short-range movements in the post-breeding season (e.g., Macfarlane 1978, Khoury et al. 2010). None of these extralimital records should be taken as evidence for warriae being a morph. Its long wing further hints at the possibility of regular migratory movements, and all confirmed records away from the basalt desert to date have involved young birds. The recent Turkish record is the only evidence of warriae breeding away from a clearly circumscribed geographical region, and then only as a hybrid pairing with O. finschii and outside of the range of the O. lugens complex. Concerning habitat, O. /. warriae is apparently restricted to outcrops of Al Harra basalt flows (Andrews 1994: 34), but is 'generally absent from the featureless, rolling, boulder fields', being most frequently seen in areas of 'road cuttings, boulder piles and abandoned telegraph poles in addition to natural bluffs and the sides of wadis' (Andrews 1994: 34; see also Figs. 3-4). Mean annual precipitation here is just 50-250 mm, and the wheatears prefer hills and escarpments with steep slopes and high rock cover for breeding, but visit more level ground to forage, including the sides of tarmac roads (Khoury et al. 2010). They share the basalt desert with another unusually dark taxon, the Desert Lark Ammomanes deserti annae R. Meinertzhagen, 1923 (Fig. 5). The current status of O. /. warriae in Syria is Hadoram Shirihai et al. 285 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Figure 19. First-winter male Basalt Wheatear Oenanthe lugens warriae, Arava Valley, southern Israel, December 2001 (Yoav Perlman), showing the white undertail-coverts and the diagnostic white-spotted juvenile-retained primary-coverts and alula (only tiny white spots remain on their tips due to wear, but they are still fundamentally bold and concentrated on the tips to the inner webs). Figure 20. First-summer male Basalt Wheatear Oenanthe lugens warriae, southern Syria, February 2009 (Nicolas Martinez). Some young warriae could lose (through wear) the diagnostic white-spotted juvenile- retained primary-coverts and alula rather earlier in the spring. Such birds could be misidentified as adults, but note the clear moult limits between the juvenile-retained (browner) and post-juvenile renewed (blackish) greater coverts. They could be more easily confused as male Variable Wheatear O. picata opistholeuca (due to the lack of white in the remiges and white primary-covert spots). Figure 21. First-summer male Variable Wheatear Oenanthe picata opistholeuca, Feyzabad, north-east Afghanistan, May 2010 (Frank Joisten), showing how this taxon has virtually identical plumage to Basalt Wheatear O. lugens warriae. This bird is aged and sexed by combination of its juvenile-retained remiges and primary-coverts, and the black coloration to the dark plumage tracts. Compared to warriae it can be separated by the proportionately shorter primary projection (fewer exposed primary tips) but relatively longer tail and narrow black tail-band (distance between the latter and the wingtip much longer than in warriae, although this can be reliably judged only in profile and certain stances). Also unlike warriae, pi is longer than the primary-coverts, which if visible could be a critical field mark. Note the overall jizz is more Pied Wheatear O. pleschanka-tike in opistholeuca than in warriae, which is more compact and less long-tailed looking. This male opistholeuca has some remnants of the pale tips to the primary-coverts, but these are diffuse and on the outer webs, rather than bold tips concentrated on the inner webs, as in warriae. very poorly known, but recent field work in north-east Jordan suggests that it is very rare, perhaps even on the verge of extinction there, possibly as a result of recent droughts and through competition with O. leucopyga, which has recently colonised this region (Khoury et al. 2010). By formally naming the Basalt Wheatear, even at the rank of subspecies, our hope is that conservation bodies will take greater interest in this unusual bird. Etymology.— It gives HS & GMK great pleasure to name this Oenanthe for Mrs Frances E. ('Effie') Warr, former Librarian at BMNH, and long-time stalwart of the Council of the Ornithological Society of the Middle East. This association makes the naming of the new taxon in her honour especially appropriate. Over many years, she has provided innumerable ornithologists with countless courtesies. She is one of the unsung, backroom heroes of modern ornithology. The specific name warriae is a noun in the genitive case formed under Art. 31.1.1 of the ICZN (1999) Code, wherein the name Warr is Latinised. As regards its vernacular name. Basalt Wheatear has been in widespread 'unofficial' use for well over a decade, and we advocate its retention. No previous name is available for the basalt population. Although Forschler et al. (2010) alluded to it as 'basalti', this name is a nomen nudum because its initial use cannot be considered a valid nomenclatural act according to the International code of zoological nomenclature as, for example, no type specimen was nominated and no type description published (ICZN 1999, Arts. 13.1.1, 16.1, 16.4 and 72.3). We searched extensively for a previous name that might be applicable to this population, commencing with the synonymy of various Oenanthe taxa in Seebohm (1881) and including those names applied by the early German explorers of the Middle East and north-east Africa. Most interestingly, the type Hadoram Shirihai et al. 286 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) of Oenanthe leucura syenitica (Heuglin, 1869), actually represents a taxon from the lugens complex and has similar features to ivarriae. However, all of the morphological evidence points to it being a different taxon (e.g., overall size, wing formula, tail-band width), especially as it was collected in June in either Egypt or Sudan. Taxonomic rank.— Unlike Forschler et al. (2010) and Khoury et al. (2010), who were apparently in 'two minds' as to whether taxonomic status for the basalt population was warranted, we believe that it clearly is. Its position is unique. Morphometrically, this form groups with O. 1. persica, a taxon ranked as species by Forschler et al. (2010). Yet clearly it cannot be considered a colour morph of the latter, especially given its genetically near- identical profile to O. 1. lugens. Moreover, treating the basalt population as a colour morph is dubious given that it is both geographically circumscribed and lacks a morphological character found in all other populations of O. lugens sensu lato, i.e. the rufous-tinged undertail-coverts, unlike the black morph of O. lugubris, in which the undertail-coverts maintain the distinctive coloration (polymorphism in this taxon went unrecognised until the work of Vaurie 1949: 27-28). Here, O. /. warriae is conservatively treated as a subspecies under a modern interpretation of the Biological Species Concept (e.g., Helbig et al. 2002), although we note that its plumage, mensural and other characters might, in combination, be sufficient to accord it species rank under the guidelines recently developed by Tobias et al. (2010; see Appendix 3). Analogously, Ticehurst (1922), Haffer (1986) and Panov (1992, 2005) rejected the concept that the three plumage types in O. picata represented colour morphs as espoused, for example, by Vaurie (1949), Ripley (1964), Cramp (1988), Collar (2005) and others, instead considering them to be valid taxa, a view that we find persuasive. That O. /. warriae is a colour morph of O. lugens is unlikely because this nearly all-black form is geographically restricted as a breeder to the basalt deserts of north-east Jordan and southern Syria (Andrews 1994, 1995), and intermediates or mixed pairs with O. lugens have not been observed to date (Andrews 1994). Tye claimed broad overlap and the existence of mixed pairings, but he lacked relevant field experience. Moreover, the unique characters of the basalt form appear to be stable, most importantly the lack of rufous on the undertail- coverts, judged by all published observations. Observers with experience of O. /. warriae have found little evidence of overlap and none of hybridisation, with typical-plumaged Mourning Wheatears and Basalt Wheatears apparently selecting different substrates (Andrews 1994, Khoury et al. 2010; HS & AJH pers. obs.). Khoury et al. (2010) found that juvenile plumage is also unique (although their sample size is not stated), providing further strong indication of the taxonomic validity of O. /. warriae. However, both our own unpublished genetic data and those of Forschler et al. (2010) indicate that variation in the O. 1. lugens / O. /. warriae clade is just 0.2-0. 3% in mtDNA and they are not diagnosable using barcoding methods. Thus we prefer to await further molecular and vocal data, and to test the potential biological significance of, for example, the very small white rump patch of O. /. warriae, before considering whether species-level separation might be warranted. Nonetheless, it might be mentioned that Randier et al. (2011) found that the O. hispanica- melanouleuca-cypriaca-pleschanka complex is also genetically 'uniform', offering a potential parallel with the warriae / lugens situation. Randier et al. (201 1 ) maintained species status for O. cypriaca, despite lack of genetic differences. It seems that in Oenanthe, morphometries, plumage characters and vocalisations (using well-controlled playback experiments) are of even greater import for determining species status than molecules. f inally, the close genetic relationship of Basalt Wheatear to O. /. lugens further confirms that it is not a disjunct population of O. picata opistholeuca and, as described above, despite virtual identical plumage the latter differs clearly in measurements and wing formula from O. I. warriae. Hadoram Shirihai et al. 287 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Given the obvious plumage and some biometric differences, but the lack of genetic differentiation between warriae and other members of the lugens complex, their 'split' is presumably rather contemporary and presumably rests on natural selection favouring a darker form in the basalt desert. However, especially fascinating is how O. 1. warriae has developed virtually identical plumage to male O. p. opistholeuca. Finally, the entire genus Oenanthe requires additional genetic analysis, as many relationships remain unresolved, including between several very well-differentiated species / groups. Future research. — Major handbooks (e.g., Vaurie 1959, Cramp 1988) suggest that Syria is inhabited by O. 1. lugens, and that it is a very widespread breeder there. However, available material of Mourning Wheatears from Syria is too limited to determine which taxon breeds there. For example, at BMNH there are just two specimens from Syria— both assigned to 'nominate' lugens (1946.63.56 and 1905.10.11.18) — but these proved impossible to assign to subspecies using morphometries (Table 1). Both are first-years with juvenile- retained remiges and their persica- like white pattern on the primaries is inconclusive for identification (see O. 1. lugens, Appendix 2), while in biometrics they either approach one or other subspecies, or appear intermediate. We also examined photographs of live birds from Syria, mostly from Palmyra, which seem to possess typical O. 1. persica characters, but these were mostly taken in winter (e.g.. Fig. 18). Because O. 1. persica is migratory, such Syrian records (dated December-March) could have been wintering away from their usual range in eastern Arabia. HS recently found several winter specimens showing classic O. 1. persica characters collected in southern Sinai, Egypt and southern Israel (Tel Aviv University Zoological Museum; including three adult males, 9718, 9624 and 2296). This suggests that O. 1. persica- like birds occur regularly at least as far as west as the Levant in winter. It remains to be elucidated which taxon breeds over much of Syria. Should field work prove that most or all breeders are persica-like, this would suggest one of three possibilities: (1) that persica breeds much further west than currently thought, (2) the presence of a variable and perhaps intermediate population between lugens and persica, or (3) an undescribed taxon in Syria. The origin of persica- like birds recorded wintering within the range of the nominate in Sinai, Egypt and Israel is unresolved. This is particularly interesting with respect to O. 1. warriae, whose morphometries and tail pattern are closer to persica. Field research is required to resolve this issue. For now, it appears premature to adopt the 'borderline split' of persica (1. 2-2.2% divergence in mtDNA from nominate; Forschler et al. 2010) until the identification of persica- like birds in Syria is resolved, and their relationship to persica breeding in Iran, as well as to O. 1. lugens and O. 1. warriae, have been more fully investigated employing molecular, vocal and additional morphological data. Acknowledgements This paper is dedicated to two 'Oenanthe heroes'. Firstly, the late Gideon Zakkai (Gidi), friend of HS and pioneering researcher into the biology of O. 1. lugens in the Negev Desert; he was also closely involved with the development of birding in Israel. Secondly, the late Andreas J. Helbig, who sadly died before he could complete his work with HS on a planned wheatear monograph. All three of us collaborated on the already published Sylvia monograph (2001). HS remembers well his work with Andreas on warriae in Jordan, lugubris in Ethiopia, and searching for Somali Wheatear O. phillipsi in remote Ethiopia. His rare talent united pioneering molecular work with a passion (never lost) for field study. Helbig played an important role in the groundwork for this paper and he supported its central conclusion; we are pleased to include him as a co-author in recognition of this. Nigel Cleere assisted HS to measure O. /. persica at BMNH. Many people associated with the Ornithological Center in Israel, particularly Dan Alon, supported HS's field work over many years, including some of his wheatear studies. Maria San Roman and Eyal Shochat assisted HS to study variation within O. I. lugens in the Negev Desert in October 2011. Andrew Grieve helped prepare the table, Rene Pop prepared many of the figures from slides, and Magnus Ullman, our cartographic collaborator in the forthcoming Handbook of Western Palearctic birds, very kindly prepared the fine map at short notice. Tire following photographers provided images of Syrian birds: Nicolas Martinez, Tomas Haraldsson, Rob Gordijn and Klaas van Haeringen. Emin Yogurt<;uoglu sent photographs of the Turkish Basalt Wheatear. Thanks also to Amir Ben Dov, Frank Joisten and Yoav Perlman for permitting use of their images here. We express, once Hadoram Shirihai et al. 288 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) again, our constant appreciation to the staff of the Natural History Museum, Tring, especially Robert Prys- Jones, Mark Adams, Hein van Grouw and Alison Harding, for facilitating access to relevant specimens and literature. HS also thanks staff at the American Museum of Natural History, New York (Paul Sweet) and Tel Aviv University Zoological Museum (Daniel Berkowic and Dr Shai Meiri) for their kind assistance. Thanks also to Hans-Martin Berg and Dr Ernst Bauernfeind (Naturhistorisches Museum Wien) for photographs and measurements of the type of Oenanthe leucura syenitica. Normand David kindly checked our choice of name. Our referees, Martin Collinson, Urban Olsson, Robert Prys-Jones, Richard Schodde, Frank Steinheimer (who further assisted our efforts considerably by checking for potentially available and applicable names) and, most especially, Lars Svensson (who provided two sets of very detailed comments), made substantial contributions. Finally, we emphasise the broad inspiration we consistently acquire from Svensson's standard work Identification guide to European passerines, and his general approach to the taxonomy and identification of Western Palearctic passerines. 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Second edn. HarperCollins, London. Ticehurst, C. B. 1922. Notes on some Indian wheatears. Ibis 11(4): 151-158. Tobias, j. A., Seddon, N., Spottiswoode, C. N., Pilgrim, J. D., Fishpool, L. D. C. & Collar, N. J. 2010. Quantitative criteria for species delimitation. Ibis 152: 724-746. Tye, A. 1994. A description of the Middle Eastern black morph of Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens from museum specimens. Sandgrouse 16: 28-31. van der Vliet, R. & de Lange, R. 1997. 'Basalt Wheatear'. Dutch Birding 19: 18-19. Vaurie, C. 1949. Notes on the bird genus Oenanthe in Persia, Afghanistan, and India. Amer. Mus. Novit. 1425: 1-47. Vaurie, C. 1959. The birds of the Palearctic fauna. Passerines. H. F. & G. Witherby, London. Wallace, D. I. M. 1983. The first identification of the Eastern Pied Wheatear in Jordan. Sandgrouse 5: 102-104. Zimmerman, D. A., Turner, D. A. & Pearson, D. J. 1996. Birds of Kenya and northern Tanzania. Christopher Helm, London. Addresses : Hadoram Shirihai, c/o Ausserdorfstrafie 6, 8052 Zurich, Switzerland, e-mail: albatross_shirihai@ hotmail.com. Guy M. Kirwan, Research Associate, Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 South Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, USA, e-mail: GMKirwan@aol.com. Andreas J. Helbig (deceased). Appendix 1: ageing and sexing Basalt Wheatear We analysed all available O. 1. zvarriae specimens or photographs, as well as trapped birds (see Table 1) and found that warriae shows clearer sexual differences than O. 1. lugens. At least some can be reliably sexed if correctly aged first (by moult and feather wear / wing pattern, and pattern of the primary-coverts), combined with general plumage pigmentation, amount of white on the inner webs of the remiges (especially the primaries) and some biometrics (Table 1). O. /. zvarriae seems to undergo a complete post-nuptial moult (adults), while juveniles undertake a partial post-juvenile moult, in late summer / early autumn. Post- juvenile renewal includes the entire head, body, lesser and median coverts, most or all greater coverts, and usually some tertials and alula feathers; replacement of some rectrices appears irregular. Pre-nuptial moult seems absent or limited, though some spring birds have very fresh secondary-coverts and tertials that had apparently been renewed recently. Plumage and seasonal variation is as follows: spring Adult Generally less worn, or quite fresh until April, especially the primaries which are also blacker. Wings also lack any obvious moult limits or any other vestiges of immaturity (cf. first-summer). Adult ¥ has black areas generally duller, less strongly glossed metallic blue and purple as in adult o”, and extent of white or pale grey in remiges reduced (adult has clear-cut and purer white on the inner webs — Figs. 10-11). First-summer Aged by more worn, browner, retained juvenile remiges, and primary-coverts, most of which usually still show the diagnostic small white tips, at least until April. Both sexes correspondingly less intensely glossed, with black areas especially of young ¥ ¥ even browner. Juvenile remiges have reduced white or pale grey, and especially young ¥ ¥ lack any visible white on inner webs of open upper wing (Figs. 13-14). Some first-summer d"a" also lack visible white on the spread upper wing, but most have some visible, even approaching that in adult ¥. autumn Adult Evenly very fresh wings without discernible moult limits; primary tips fresh or, at most, slightly worn, and primary-coverts only slightly worn, blacker and glossier, and lack bold white tips of first- winters. Plumage and amount of white on inner webs to remiges generally as spring adults. First-winter (Fig. 19) Similar to adult, but has diagnostic bold white tips to primary-coverts, while those with retained juvenile alula and tertials also have contrasting bold white tips (reduced with wear). Slightly to moderately worn pale primary tips, and moult limits with less intense black (or browner) and looser juvenile greater coverts (if retained). Rest of plumage and amount of white on remiges generally as first-summers. Juvenile Very distinctive compared to juvenile lugens or persica, being generally smoky and browner overall, with grey-brown upperparts and dusky buff-brown underparts, often with darker or even blacker ear-coverts and bib, and warmer buff wing fringes (see Khoury et al. 2010). Appendix 2: summary of geographical variation in Mourning Wheatears of North Africa and the Middle East Geographical variation in those members of the O. lugens complex breeding in North Africa and the Middle East (excluding southern Arabia) is marked. All the following taxa are consistently identifiable, with no Hadoram Shirihai et al. 290 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Figure 22. Distribution of the Oenanthe lugens complex in North Africa and the Middle East (excluding southern Arabia) (Magnus Ullman) showing breeding ranges and some movements, and with approximate boundaries between subspecies (broken lines). Considerably uncertainty and gaps in our knowledge exist meaning that some elements of the map should be viewed as tentative. Green = breeding; blue = wintering; arrows depict possible direction of migration by O. I. persica. The range of O. I. ivarriae is marked in red on the main map (enlarged at left) and is roughly based on the few published records, together with knowledge of its habitat requirements. Notes. (1) Large '?' in Syria reflects the confusion surrounding which taxon breeds there; traditionally, this has been assumed to be O. /. lugens, but we have found evidence that O. /. persica occurs there, although its temporal status is unclear (see Future research). (2) Small '?' in eastern Lebanon: Porter & Aspinall (2010) indicated that the range of O. lugens covers most of Lebanon to the Mediterranean coast, but this seems erroneous (perhaps reflecting former confusion with Finsch's Wheatears O. finschii). Flowever, in the drier areas of easternmost Lebanon, lugens could breed or occur in winter. (3) Arrows mark possible dispersal of O. /. persica, but only the Iranian population is known to be migratory, mostly to eastern Arabia. We have found evidence to suggest that persica winters west to Israel and Sinai (several specimens in Tel Aviv University Zoological Museum). It is unclear if these are from Iran (see note 1). (4) Border between O. 1. halophila and O. /. lugens in Egypt remains to be elucidated. Extensive research in the area from the Nile to eastern Libya is needed, to elucidate whether intermediate populations of these two distinctive taxa exist as claimed. documented evidence of possible overlap or interbreeding. For now, the four are conservatively maintained as subspecies, until such time as definitive evidence of specific status for some or all taxa becomes available. The following is based on specimens at BMNH, AMNH and the Tel Aviv University Zoological Museum, and summarises information prepared for Shirihai & Svensson (in press), Shirihai et al. (in prep.) and Roselaar & Shirihai (in prep.). The most useful characters are the degree of sexual dimorphism, pattern and extent of white in the remiges, the extent of the buffy / rufous undertail-coverts, the size of the white rump, and the existence of polymorphism (only obvious in female halophila). To some degree the forms are also differentiated by biometrics and wing formula. See also Fig. 22 for further details concerning the distribution of each taxon. O. 1. lugens (eastern Egypt, north-west Saudi Arabia, Israel and Jordan, but the taxon in Syria requires further investigation — see Further research), like O. 1. persica (but unlike O. 1. halophila) both sexes are virtually identical and black and white; the pinkish-buff to rufous undertail-coverts and whitish wing panel are well developed. In adults, the white bases to the inner webs are broad and reach closer to the shafts, and the border with the dark fields less steeply angled (more step-like — on p2 and p3 closer to the shaft, at least 10 mm above primary-coverts), forming more solid white flashes (Fig. 17). However, considerable age-related variation exists, with first-years having, on average, narrower white bases that often do not reach close to the shafts and can even lack the step-like pattern, to the extent of appearing identical to persica in this respect. Females, of respective ages, have on average smaller areas of white, but variation renders this unreliable for sexing. Reliable separation of lugens vs. persica outside the breeding season / regions should hinge on the white wing pattern only in adult males and use other clues, e.g. tail-band width and wing length, as well as pi in relation to the tips of the primary -coverts and p2 (see Table 1). Exposed white base to pi rather extensive and usually well defined. Wing o" 94-98 mm (n = 10, mean 96.1), 9 89-94 mm ()i = 6, mean 90.8); tail o" 61-68 mm (n = 7, mean 64.6), 9 58-62 mm (n = 4, mean 58.6); bill (both sexes) 17.6-19.7 mm (n - 25, mean 18.45). O. I. halophila (Morocco to north-west Egypt, although permanent breeding range in north-west Egypt requires confirmation) is unique within the group in showing strong sexual dimorphism, with females being generally duller grey-brown (resembling female O. finschii), but males are black and white (for rare darker females, see below). Pinkish-buff undertail-coverts and whitish panel in wing strongly reduced compared to Hadoram Shirihai et al. 291 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) O. /. lugens. Colour of undertail-coverts patch highly variable in both sexes, from pinkish white or cream-buff to pale orange / rufous-buff, whilst white flashes ragged, concentrated on secondaries and inner primaries, and narrower (on inner webs usually not reaching shafts). Wing o" 89-97 mm (n = 17, mean 91.8), ¥ 85-90 mm (n = 14, mean 87.8); tail dr 54-63 mm ( n = 17, mean 57.9), ¥ 54-60 mm (n = 14, mean 56.5); bill (both sexes) 17.1-19.3 mm (n = 31, mean 18.3). Females can show a dark throat, and are highly variable in darkness of neck- sides and wings, with some extremely dark birds perhaps only sexed correctly by their greyish-brown back. Forschler et al. (2010) found rather low genetic divergence (0. 2-1.0%) between nominate lugens and halophila, suggesting their retention together. Guichard (1955) reported that of four females collected in Tripolitania, Libya, one was typical pale halophila, but two others were principally male-like, while the fourth seemed intermediate between male and female plumage. Apparently similar intermediates reported from Egypt by Baha el Din & Baha el Din (2000), who also reported birds with halophila-\\ke plumage but with extensive white in wing like O. 1. lugens. Fiowever, neither of these references acknowledged the extreme variation in female halophila described above. Baha el Din & Baha el Din (2000) confirmed the lack of overlap in breeding ranges of halophila and lugens in Egypt, which are separated by the Nile (and even suggested that they favour different habitats). O. I. halophila is constant in its plumage characteristics and clear sexual differences exist across its range. Vocally, too, halophila and lugens clearly differ (Shirihai & Svensson in press). O. 1. persica (north-east Iraq and Iran) is essentially a migrant breeder, moving as far as south-west Arabia in winter, but is rather subtly differentiated from lugens, except by the following. Black tail-band broader, with width of black at shaft 14-23 mm, but mostly >17 mm (Table 1). White on bases of inner webs of remiges substantially reduced, narrow and pointed, separated very steeply from dark fields, with division on pp2-3 ending approximately in line with primary-coverts or well below this. Thus white bases never reach very close to shafts (or form 'step-like' pattern of lugens) on exposed primaries, and consequently also has much more ragged white flashes in flight. (Beware of some variation in lugens; see above.) White bases to rest of remiges reduced, short, or often greyer and ill defined, and exposed white base on pi small, ill defined or lacking. The black 'bib' tends to appear broader and may extend further onto the upper breast, while in fresh plumage the cap is often more brownish (sometimes almost dusky or blackish brown), but there is extensive individual variation in both these. Undertail-coverts similar to lugens or paler rufous, but much variation and overlap. Overall larger with more pointed wing. Wing dr 89-98 mm (n = 12, mean 94.9), ¥ 88-98 mm (n = 11, mean 92.2); tail o" 59.5-65.0 mm (n = 12, mean 63.5), ¥ 57-64 mm (n = 11, mean 60.5); bill (both sexes) 17.2-20.6 mm (n = 23, mean 18.8). O. 1. ivarriae (north-east Jordan and southern Syria) is almost solely black above and below. The only white areas are rump, lower ventral region, upper- and undertail-coverts, and tail feathers except inverted blackish 'T'. Latter pattern recalls previous two taxa, but subterminal band broad, approaching persica (14.5-19.0 mm wide along shaft of r6). Unlike any other member of the lugens complex it lacks rufous undertail-coverts, which are essentially white or tinged pale sandy cream, dusky white or pale greyish, probably due to soil discoloration. White rump patch very restricted, only % to Vi that of lugens, and only c. % that of persica. Strongly reduced white in bases to remiges, but pattern generally approaches that of persica. Only in adult males, which have most white, is the amount substantial and visible though still narrow and at most forms ragged flashes in flight. In young, especially females, the white is absent or nearly so, with a greyish translucence in some lights. Thus, even in adult male ivarriae the white areas are far narrower than in a young female lugens or than most persica. Wing more pointed, also approaching persica, including very short pi, which is dark greyish below (lacking white tip or basal area of other taxa). Virtually identical to male O. picata opistholeuca (especially young females with no visible white in wing) and often reliably separated only using wing structure and formula. Wing cT 97-99 mm (n = 3, mean 98.3), ¥ 92.0-92.5 mm (n = 3, mean 92.2); tail a” 64.5-65.0 mm (n = 3, mean 64.8), ¥ 62-65 mm (n = 3, mean 63.2); bill (both sexes) 18.0-19.5 mm ( n = 6, mean 18.5). Appendix 3: O. 1. ivarriae assessed under the Tobias et al. (2010) guidelines Tobias et al. (2010) established transparent guidelines for assessing species rank under a modern version of the Biological Species Concept. Readers are referred to that paper in considering the following. Conservatively, measured against geographically proximate O. /. lugens, O. 1. umrriae might score for the black, rather than white, crown and belly (3), lack of buffish-coloured undertail-coverts (3), reduced white in the primaries and rump, but broader tail-band (2), different biometrics and wing formula (1), and habitat preferences (1), giving a total of ten points (i.e. above the threshold seven points considered necessary to assign species rank under the Tobias et al. 2010 system). This ignores potential differences in vocals, which remain to be accurately elucidated, and the possibility that lugens and ivarriae occur in parapatry, as this is also undetermined. For now, we can be sure only that lugens and ivarriae select different habitats and that inter-breeding must be unquestionably rare, given that there are no documented examples of mixed pairs between these two. Despite the results of this scoring, we have assigned ivarriae subspecies rank in light of the fact that the taxonomy of the O. lugens complex requires further clarification, and due to its previous treatment as a colour morph. © British Ornithologists' Club 2011 Jin Mlikovsky 292 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) The authorship and type locality of Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis by Jin Mlikovsky Received 23 May 2011 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo (Linnaeus, 1758) is a common and widespread polytypic species of the Palearctic fauna. The continental subspecies, ranging from Western Europe to east and south-east Asia, is generally known under the name sinensis (Vaurie 1965, Dorst & Mougin 1979, Orta 1992, Johnsgard 1993). The specific name sinensis has been often attributed to Shaw & Nodder (1802), where it appeared in the Latin text accompanying their plate 529 (unpaginated) in the binomen Pelecanus sinensis (e.g. Dresser 1903: 555, Hartert 1920: 1390, Peters 1931: 87), although Giebel (1877: 84) had previously attributed it to Latham (1801: lxx), an earlier source. For the dates of publication of Shaw & Nodder's work, see Sherborn (1895), Dickinson et al. (2006) and Peterson (2011). Sherborn (1924: 906) observed that the name had been used still earlier by Blumenbach (1798), in the text accompanying his plate 25 (unpaginated), also in the binomen Pelecanus sinensis. As a result, authorship has been widely accredited to Blumenbach in current ornithological literature (e.g. Vaurie 1965: 48, Dorst & Mougin 1979: 166, Dickinson 2003: 91). Dorst & Mougin (1979: 166) believed that Pelecanus sinensis of Blumenbach (1798) and of Shaw & Nodder (1802) were independent names and therefore homonyms. I should also point out that Pelecanus sinensis of Turton (1800: 351) antedates Shaw & Nodder's (1802) use of this name, but I have found no authority that attributes the name to Turton (1800). My search of literature now reveals that the species was described still earlier than currently understood. Both Shaw & Nodder (1802) and Blumenbach (1798) referred in their descriptions to earlier sources. Shaw & Nodder (1802: English text accompanying pi. 529) referred to 'Staunton's Chinese Embassy, 2. p. 388', and Blumenbach (1798: text accompanying pi. 25) described the bird 'nach den Nachrichten [...], die in der prachtvollen Reisebeschreibung der neulichen englischen Gesandschaft nach Schina [...] gegeben worden'. This, in translation, states: 'on the basis of reports presented in the splendid travelogue of the recent English embassy to China'. In addition, Shaw (1809: 243) remarked that the species was 'described and figured in Sir G. Staunton's Embassy to China'. All of these citations refer to the Macartney Embassy, headed by George Macartney (1737-1806), British politician, which ran from 1792-94 (Robbins 1908, Cranmer-Byng 1958, 1962). The official and most comprehensive travelogue resulting from the Macartney Embassy was written by George Staunton (1737-1801), Irish-born and French-educated British Jesuit priest, physician, naturalist and diplomat, who participated in the Macartney Embassy (Reed & Dematte 2007: 156). The work was published in 1797 in a two-volume quarto edition (Staunton 1797a,b) and a three-volume octavo edition (Staunton 1797c,d,e). In addition, a folio atlas (Staunton 1796), with 44 maps and plates, was published on 12 April 1796 (British Library 2011). See Cranmer-Byng (1962) for other first-hand accounts of this Embassy. The atlas (Staunton 1796: pi. 37) contains a detailed, full-page drawing of a juvenile Great Cormorant, copies of which appeared both in Blumenbach (1798: pi. 25) and Shaw & Nodder (1802: pi. 529). Staunton's pi. 37 bea rs the inscription 'The Pelicanus [sicj sinensis Jin MKkovsky 293 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) or Fishing Corvorant [sic] of China' (my italics). The name appeared also in the chapter entitled 'A list of plates contained in the folio volume' in Staunton (1797b: xxvii), where it was accompanied by a detailed description, and in Staunton (1797e: 242) without description. A binominal name published before 1931 in association with an illustration is available for nomenclatural purposes (Art. 12.2.7 of ICZN 1999). The atlas was published prior to the text volumes of Staunton's work (see above), and the specific name sinensis thus dates from that work in 1796. Staunton (1797b: 388) published an account of the morphological characteristics of the cormorant (in quotation marks), describing the bird as 'a species of the pelican, resembling the common corvorant', not using a Latin name. He also attributed the species to Shaw, remarking that Shaw 'has distinguished' the form on the basis of 'a specimen submitted [to him]'. 'Doctor Shaw', i.e. George Shaw (1751-1813), English naturalist and author of the Naturalists' miscellany, thus may have suggested to Staunton that the cormorant brought by the latter from China was specifically different from the British cormorant and probably provided the morphological diagnosis. However, there is no evidence that he coined the name sinensis. On the contrary, the absence of this name from the book section where Staunton (1797b) published Shaw's description and the fact that Shaw & Nodder (1802: Latin text associated with their pi. 529) stated 'auctor est Dominus Stauntonus' ('the author is Mr Staunton') indicate that the authorship of the name in the sense of the International code of zoological nomenclature (ICZN 1999: Art. 50.1) should be credited to Staunton. Staunton (1796: pi. 37) published the specific name in combination with the generic name Pelicanus. He used the latter spelling also in another place in his travelogue (Staunton 1797b: xxvii), but there is no evidence that he deliberately emended the Pelecanus of Linnaeus (1758: 132). His Pelicanus should thus be considered an incorrect subsequent spelling, which, being not in prevailing use, has no standing in zoological nomenclature (Art. 33.3 of ICZN 1999). The specimen 'submitted' by Staunton to Shaw (see above) can be regarded as the holotype of Pelecanus sinensis in the absence of any evidence to the contrary. Its current whereabouts is unknown and it has probably perished. Shaw's bird collection was deposited in the British Museum of Natural History (now the Natural History Museum at Tring) (Steinheimer 2003: 54), but no matching specimen appears to have survived (Ogilvie- Grant 1898). The type locality of Pelecanus sinensis was given simply as 'China' by Staunton (1796: pi. 37, 1797b: xxvii), Blumenbach (1798: text accompanying pi. 25) and Shaw & Nodder (1802: text accompanying pi. 529). 'China' has been listed as the type locality of P. sinensis in standard modern references as well (e.g. Vaurie 1965: 48, Dorst & Mougin 1979: 166). Staunton (1797a: 335, 1797c: 381) mentioned that the Macartney Embassy first briefly encountered cormorants ('that celebrated bird, vulgarly called the pelican of the wilderness') in the Turon Bay in Cochin-China (now Da-Nang Bay, Vietnam; c.10°06'N, 108°11'E). However, a more detailed account of cormorants is found in a section describing the voyage through the Grand Canal from Beijing south, when the Macartney Embassy crossed the Take Wee-chaung-hoo' (Staunton 1797b: 388 ff., 1797e: 242ff.), i.e. Lake Weishan. Staunton (1797b: 388, 1797e: 242) mentioned that this was 'the place where the Leu-tze, or famed fishing bird of China, is bred, and instructed in the art and practice of supplying his owner with fish in great abundance'. I have found no other places in Staunton's travelogue where cormorants were mentioned. Although direct evidence is lacking, I consider it highly probable that the holotype brought by the Macartney Embassy to Europe originated from this lake. Staunton's (1797b,e) itinerary (see also Barrow 1804; John Barrow, 1764-1848, English politician, also participated in the Macartney Embassy to China) indicates that the Jin Mlikovsky 294 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Macartney Embassy obtained the bird there in November 1793. Considering these data I restrict here the type locality of Pelecanus sinensis to Lake Weishan, Shandong Province, China (c.35°00'N, 116°50'E). In summary, I conclude that Pelecanus sinensis was described by Staunton (1796: pi. 37) from a single specimen obtained by the Macartney Embassy to China in November 1793 at Lake Weishan, China. The subspecies authorship thus becomes Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis (Staunton, 1796). Acknowledgements This paper was supported in part by grants from the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic (MK DE06P040MG008 and MK 00002327201). 1 thank Edward Dickinson, Guy Kirwan, Richard Schodde and Frank Steinheimer for comments on the submitted manuscript. References: Barrow, J. 1804. Travels in China, containing descriptions, observations, and comparisons, made and collected in the course of a short residence at the Imperial palace of Yuen-Min-Yuen, and on a subsequent journey through the country from Pekin to Kanton. D. Cadell & W. Davies, London. Blumenbach, J. F. 1798. Abbildungen naturhistorischer Gegenstdnde, vol. 3. Johann Christian Dieterich, Gottingen. British Library. 2011. [Record of Staunton 1796], http://catalogue.bl.Uk/F/S6JL3RRSU42P72NPX7IN TM89VPAXH44JUEYG AAL7FXAJ3VFJ6R-04194?func=full-set-set&set_number=047714&set_ entry=0001 17&format=999 (accessed 30 April 2011). Cranmer-Byng, J. L. 1958. Lord Macartney's embassy to Peking in 1793. ]. Oriental Stud. 4: 117-187. Cranmer-Byng, J. L. 1962. An embassy to China (journal kept by Lord Macartney 1793-94). Longmans, London. Dickinson, E. C. (ed.) 2003. The Howard and Moore complete checklist of the birds of the world. Third edn. Christopher Helm, London. Dickinson, E. C., Bruce, M. D. & Dowsett, R. J. 2006. Vivarium naturae or The naturalist's miscellany (1789-1813) by George Shaw: an assessment of the dating of the parts and volumes. Arch. Nat. Hist. 33: 322-343. Dorst, J. & Mougin, J.-L. 1979. Order Pelecaniformes. Pp. 155-193 in Mayr, E. & Cottrell, G. W. (eds.) Check-list of birds of the world, vol. 1. Second edn. Mus. Comp. Zool., Cambridge, MA. Dresser, H. E. 1903. A manual of Palaearctic birds, vol. 2. Privately published, London. Giebel, C. G. 1877. Thesaurus ornithologiae, vol. 3. F. A. Brockhaus, Leipzig. Hartert, E. 1920. Die Vogel der paldarktischen Fauna, Bd. 2(5-6). R. Friedlander und Sohn, Berlin. International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN). 1999. International code of zoological nomenclature. Fourth edn. The International Trust for Zoological Nomenclature, c/o The Natural History Museum, London. Johnsgard, P. A. 1993. Cormorants, darters, and pelicans of the world. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington DC. Latham, J. 1801. Supplement II to the General synopsis of birds. Leigh, Sotheby & Son, London. Linnaeus, C. 1758. Systema naturae, vol. 1. Tenth edn. Laurentius Salvius, Holmia. Ogilvie-Grant, W. R. 1898. Steganopodes (cormorants, gannets, frigate-birds, tropic-birds, and pelicans), Pygopodes (divers and grebes), Alcae (auks), and Impennes (penguins). Pp. 329-653 in Catalogue of the birds in the British Museum, vol. 26. Trustees of the Brit. Mus. (Nat. Hist.), London. Orta, J. 1992. Family Phalacrocoracidae (cormorants). Pp. 326-353 in del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. & Sargatal, J. (eds.) Handbook of the birds of the world, vol. 1. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. Peters, J. L. 1931. Check-list of birds of the world, vol. 1. Harvard Univ. Press, Cambridge, MA. Peterson, A. P. 2011. Zoonomen nomenclatural data, http://www.zoonomen.net (accessed 1 May 2011). Reed, M. & Dematte, P. (eds.) 2007. China on paper: European and Chinese works from the late sixteenth to the early nineteenth centuries. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles. Robbins, H. H. 1908. Our first ambassador to China: an account of the life of George, Earl of Macartney. John Murray, London. Shaw, G. 1809. Zoological lectures delivered at the Royal Institution in the years 1806 and 1807, vol. 1. George Kearsley, London. Shaw, G. & Nodder, F. P. 1802. The naturalists' miscellany, vol. 13. [Publisher and place of publication not given.] Sherbom, C. D. 1895. On the dates of Shaw and Nodder's 'Naturalist's Miscellany'. Ann. May. Nat. Hist. (6)15: 375-376. Sherbom, C. D. 1924. Index animalium, vol. 2(4). Trustees of the Brit. Mus. (Nat. Hist.), London. Staunton, G. 1796. An authentic account of an embassy from the King of Great Britain to the Emperor of China, vol. 3. Atlas. G. Nicol, London. Jin Mlikovsky 295 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Staunton, G. 1797a. An authentic account of an embassy from the King of Great Britain to the Emperor of China, vol. 1. Quarto edn. G. Nicol, London. Staunton, G. 1797b. An authentic account of an embassy from the King of Great Britain to the Emperor of China, vol. 2. Quarto edn. G. Nicol, London. Staunton, G. 1797c. An authentic account of an embassy from the King of Great Britain to the Emperor of China, vol. 1. Octavo edn. G. Nicol, London. Staunton, G. 1797d. An authentic account of an embassy from the King of Great Britain to the Emperor of China, vol. 2. Octavo edn. G. Nicol, London. Staunton, G. 1797e. An authentic account of an embassy from the King of Great Britain to the Emperor of China, vol. 3. Octavo edn. G. Nicol, London. Steinheimer, F. D. 2003. The whereabouts of pre-nineteenth century bird specimens. Zool. Med. Eeiden 79: 45-67. Turton, W. 1800. A general system of nature through the three grand kingdoms of animals, vegetables and minerals, vol. 1. Lackington, Allen & Co., London. Vaurie, C. 1965. The birds of the Palearctic fauna. Non-Passseriformes. H. F. & G. Witherby, London. Address: Dept, of Zoology, National Museum, Vaclavske namesti 68, CZ-115 79 Praha 1, Czech Republic, e-mail: jiri_mlikovsky@nm.cz © British Ornithologists' Club 2011 Iain A. Woxvold & Francis H. J. Crome 296 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) First description of the nest and egg of Orange-crowned Fairy-wren Clytomyias insignis, from the southern highlands of Papua New Guinea by Iain A. Woxvold & Francis H. J. Crome Received 25 May 2011 The fairy-wrens and allies (Maluridae) comprise an Australo-Papuan family of small to mid-sized, predominantly insectivorous, passerines that frequent shrubby vegetation, grasslands and forest undergrowth (Rowley & Russell 1997, 2007). Two subfamilies are recognised: the Malurinae (fairy-wrens and emu-wrens), with 17 species in Australia and New Guinea; and the Amytornithinae (grasswrens), with ten species confined to Australia (Rowley & Russell 2007, Christidis & Boles 2008). Members of this family are highly social and live in sedentary, multi-member groups that remain together year-round. Cooperative breeding, where more than two individuals contribute to raise the young at a single nest (Brown 1987, Cockburn 1998), has been confirmed in most species where sufficient data exist (Higgins et al. 2001, Rowley & Russell 2007). These communal habits have made them a favoured subject of research, with some Malurus fairy-wrens among the most intensively studied of all Australian birds. The situation is altogether different in New Guinea, where basic information on the ecology and breeding biology of the island's five endemic malurids remains piecemeal (Coates 1990, Rowley & Russell 2007). The monotypic Orange-crowned Fairy-wren Clytomyias insignis is endemic to mainland New Guinea where it is widespread, albeit local and uncommon, in montane forest at 1,700-3,000 m (Diamond 1972, Coates 1990, Rowley & Russell 1997). It favours dense vegetation in the forest understorey or at the forest edge, where this fairy-wren gleans insects from foliage and feeds on the ground (Bell 1969, Diamond 1972, Coates 1990, Frith & Frith 1992). Figure I. Nest (A) and egg (B) of Orange-crowned Fairy-wren Clytomyias insignis, Hides Ridge, Southern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea, April 2005 (Iain Woxvold) Iain A. Woxvold & Francis H. J. Crome 297 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Of breeding virtually nothing is known. Clytomyias has regularly been observed in groups of more than two (Frith & Frith 1992, Davies 2008), and sometimes in parties of up to seven birds (Bell 1969), consistent with the notion that it may breed cooperatively. Internal examination has indicated breeding condition in birds collected at various localities across the central cordillera (e.g., Mayr & Gilliard 1954, Ripley 1964), including a female that 'contained two nearly formed eggs' (Diamond 1972: 217). Here we provide the first description of the nest and eggs of Clytomyias. In 2005 we surveyed birds on Hides Ridge (05°56.9'S, 142°44.7'E), part of a limestone range rising nearly 1,000 m above the Tagari River valley and located c.25 km west-southwest of Tari in the Southern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. Habitat consisted of primary montane Nothofagus moss forest overlying karst terrain with numerous sinkholes. Extensive thickets of climbing bamboo Nastus productus were present on hilltops and ridges. On the afternoon of 25 April, while investigating a small (c.5 m diameter) swampy pool at the base of a sinkhole depression (at c.2,150 m), our attention was drawn to an area near the foot of the slope by a continuous series of harsh, scolding calls. Viewing the area from 5-7 m distance we noticed a Clytomyias insignis at the entrance of a domed nest. Calling persisted for some minutes while the bird looked into but did not enter the nest, and then continued from within the nest after the bird had left. The calls were recorded and can be examined at xeno-canto (www.xeno-canto.org/asia/; XC64640). As we approached the nest, a second bird emerged and flew into the forest upslope. The nest (Fig. 1A) was placed c.0.8 m above steep sloping ground in a shrubby vine Parsonsia sanguinea situated c.2-3 m above the sinkhole floor and a similar distance from the forest edge at its boundary with the swampy pool. The nest framework was constructed predominantly of interwoven P. sanguinea leaves and decorated with live moss which covered the exterior of the nest and hung from its base to form a 'beard' of c.15 cm. Moss has been reported among materials used by a number of tropical malurines (Rowley & Russell 1997), including some New Guinea species (Ripley 1964, Diamond 1981), and may serve a dual purpose of water-proofing and camouflage. The exterior of the main structure measured c.16 * 12 cm (width x depth), these dimensions being taken at the nest's widest plane and at the perpendicular. The entrance measured c. 6 * 4 cm (width x height), was located centrally in the nest wall and faced away from the slope and towards an edge of the clearing above the sinkhole pool. A slight hood projected above the entrance, a character noted in many other malurid nests, and in this case at least partially attributable to the trampling of its lower edge by regular visits. The nest was positioned at an angle of c.40° to the horizontal, the pattern of trampling at the entrance rim suggesting it may have tilted following recent disturbance. The nest contained two eggs. One was removed and photographed (Fig. IB) before we left the area. The egg was of long subelliptical shape, matte white with small pinkish- brown splotches restricted (or nearly so) to the base of the blunt end. Overall colour and the distribution of markings are similar to other malurine eggs (Schodde 1982, Rowley & Russell 1997). Although more sparsely marked than most other malurine eggs, more examples are needed to determine whether this is the norm. On returning the following morning to document the clutch in more detail, the nest was empty and the birds could not be located. The cause of failure was not determined, though abandonment seemed probable as the nest remained intact and no shell fragments or feathers were found. Following our visit, the nest area was subject to additional traffic as a walking track was established that led past the sinkhole pool. The egg pictured is conservatively estimated to measure 20.5-21.8 mm long and 14.0- 15.0 mm wide at its broadest point. Dimensions were measured indirectly by calculating Iain A. Woxvold & Francis H. J. Crome 298 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) the distance between dermal ridges on the hand photographed (three measures taken). The Clytomyias egg is appreciably larger than those known to date from all other malurines, the largest heretofore being the eggs of Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus (at 16-19 mm x 12-14 mm), and within the range of those laid by the larger amytornithines (Rowley & Russell 1997). Egg size increases with body mass in malurids (Rowley & Russell 1997) as in other birds (Rahn et al. 1975). Of those malurines whose eggs have been described, Clytomyias is the heaviest (at 10-14 g) and most similar in body mass to M. cyaneus (at 9-14 g) (Rowley & Russell 2007). The eggs of Broad-billed Fairy-wren M. grayi and Emperor Fairy-wren M. cyanocephalus, both from New Guinea, are yet to be described. These are the heaviest of all malurines and their eggs may yet prove proportionately superior. Most malurids lay 2-4 eggs (Rowley & Russell 2007). In this case the final clutch size could not be determined. While most malurines are strongly sexually dimorphic, male and female Clytomyias are indistinguishable in size and plumage (Rowley & Russell 2007), and it was not possible to determine the sex of the attendant adults. As only two birds were seen, cooperative breeding in this instance was neither confirmed nor denied. Acknowledgements We are grateful to W. Takeuchi for providing plant identifications, T. Mamu, G. Richards, S. Richards and W. Takeuchi for their assistance and company in the field, ExxonMobil Corporation for their logistical and financial support, and local Huli residents for their assistance in the field and permission to work on their land. Eleanor Rowley and Bruce Beehler provided valuable comments on the submitted version. References: Bell, H. L. 1969. Field notes on the birds of the Ok Tedi River drainage. Emu 69: 193-211. Brown, J. L. 1987. Helping and communal breeding in birds: ecology and evolution. Princeton Univ. Press. Christidis, L. & Boles, W. E. 2008. Systematics and taxonomy of Australian birds. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne. Coates, B. J. 1990. The birds of Papua New Guinea, including the Bismarck Archipelago and Bougainville, vol. 2. Dove Publications, Alderley. Davies, C. 2008. Mount Trikora, Snow Mountains, West Papua, Indonesia 2-17 July 2007. Muruk 9: 41-47. Cockburn, A. 1998. Evolution of helping behavior in cooperatively breeding birds. Ann. Rev. Ecol. & Syst. 29: 141-177. Diamond, J. M. 1981. Distribution, habits and nest of Chenorhamphus grayi, a malurid endemic to New Guinea. Emu 81: 97-100. Diamond, J. M. 1972. Avifauna of the eastern highlands of New Guinea. Publ. Nuttall Orn. Cl. 12. Nuttall Orn. Cl., Cambridge, MA. Frith, C. B. & Frith, D. W. 1992. Annotated list of birds in western Tari Gap, Southern Highlands, Papua New Guinea, with some nidification notes. Australian Bird Watcher 14: 262-276. Higgins, P. J., Peter, J. M. & Steele, W. K. (eds.) 2001. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic birds, vol. 5. Oxford Univ. Press, Melbourne. Mayr, E. & Gilliard, E. T. 1954. Birds of central New Guinea. Results of the American Museum of Natural History Expeditions to New Guinea in 1950 and 1952. Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist. 103: 311-374. Rahn, H., Paganelli, C. V. & Ar, A. 1975. Relation of avian egg weight to body weight. Auk 92: 750-765. Ripley, S. D. 1964. A systematic and ecological study of birds of New Guinea. Peabody Mus. Nat. Hist., Yale Univ. Bull. 19: 1-87. Rowley, I. & Russell, E. 1997. Fairy-wrens and grasswrens. Oxford Univ. Press. Rowley, I. & Russell, E. 2007. Family Maluridae (fairy-wrens). Pp. 490-531 in del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. & Christie, D. A. (eds.) Handbook of the birds of the world, vol. 12. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. Schodde, R. 1982. The fairy-wrens: a monograph of the Maluridae. Lansdowne, Melbourne. Addresses: Iain A. Woxvold, Dept, of Zoology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia, e-mail: iainwoxvold@gmail.com. Francis H. J. Crome, P.O. Box 450, Clifton Hill, Victoria 3068, Australia. © British Ornithologists' Club 201 1 Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club Edited by Guy M. Kirwan Index for Volume 131 (2011) Author and Contents Index 300 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) LIST OF AUTHORS AND CONTENTS ALBUQUERQUE FRANQA, B. R.SeeSILVA, M. ARAUJO, H. F. P. See RU1Z-ESPARZA, J. ARETA, J. I., NORIEGA, J. I., PAGANO, L. & ROESLER, 1. Unravelling the ecological radiation of the capuchinos: systematics of Dark-throated Seedeater Sporophila ruficollis and description of a new dark-collared form 4 ARZUZA, D. See BONACCORSO, E. ASCANIO, D. See MARANTZ, C. A. BANKS, R. C. The type locality of the Olive Warbler (Peucedramidae) 122 BAIRLEIN, F. See FORSCHLER, M. I. BIRCH, D. See TATAYAH, R. V. B0GH, R. See INGELS, J. BOLES, W. See DUTSON, G. BONACCORSO, E„ ARZUZA, D„ BUITRON-JURADO, G„ CH ARPENTIER, A. L., JUINA, M., PIEDRAHIA, P. & FREILE, J. F. Range extensions and other noteworthy bird records from the Ecuadorian Andes 261 BONIER, F. See GREENEY, H. F. BRAMMER, F. P. See CLAESSENS, O. BUDEN, D. W., WICHEP, J. & FAL'MNGAR, S. First record of Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio in the Federated States of Micronesia, with remarks on vagrants and recently established populations of rallids in Micronesia 59 BUITRQN-JURADO, G. Interesting distributional records of Amazonian birds from Pastaza, Ecuador 241 BUITRON-JURADO, G. See BONACCORSO, E. CAMACHO, C. & WILSON, R. E. New record of Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera in Ecuador 69 CARLOS, C. J. & VOISIN, J.-F. Charadrius wilsonia brasiliensis Grantsau & Lima, 2008, is a junior synonym of Charadrius crassirostris Spix, 1825 165 CHAMNAN, H. See HANDSCHUH, M. CH ARPENTIER, A. L. See BONACCORSO, E. CIBOIS, A., THIBAULT, J.-C. & PASQUET, E. Molecular and morphological analysis of Pacific reed warbler specimens of dubious origin, including Acrocephalus luscinius astrolabii 32 CLAESSENS, O., BRAMMER, F. P., DEVILLE, T. & RENAUDIER, A. First documented records of Pearly-breasted Cuckoo Coccyzus euleri for French Guiana, and an overlooked specimen from Ecuador 128 CROME, F. H.J.See WOXVOLD, I. A. DANIELS, B. E. See MARANTZ, C. A. DAVID, N. & GOSSELIN, M. Gender agreement of avian species-group names under Article 31.2.2 of the ICZN Code 103 DECHELLE, M. See INGELS, J. DEMEY, R. See DOWSETT-LEMAIRE, F. DEVILLE, T. See CLAESSENS, O. DOWSETT-LEMAIRE, F., DEMEY, R. & DOWSETT, R. J. On the voice, distribution and habitat of Baumann's Greenbul Phyllastrephus baumanni 154 DOWSETT, R. J. See DOWSETT-LEMAIRE, F. Author and Contents Index 301 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) DUTSON, G., GREGORY, P. & BOLES, W. Bismarck Crow Corvus ( orru ) insularis warrants species status 204 ESTELA, F. A. See LOPEZ-VICTORIA, M. EVANS, T. D. See HANDSCHUH, M. FAL'MNGAR, S. See BUDEN, D. W. FERRARI, S. F. See RUIZ-ESPARZA, J. FINCH, B. W. See TURNER, D. A. FONTANA, C. S. See MULLER REBELATO, M. FORSCHLER, M. I., SHAW, D. N. & BAIRLEIN, F. Deuterium analysis reveals potential origin of the Fair Isle Citril Finch Carduelis citrinella 189 FREEMAN, B. See GREENEY, H. F. FREILE, J. F. See BONACCORSO, E. GELIS, R. A. See GREENEY, H. F. GOSSELIN, M. See DAVID, N. GRAVES, G. R. Status of wood rails ( Aramides ) in north-west Peru 210 GREENEY, H. F. & JUINA }., M. E. First description of the nest of Undulated Antpitta Grallaria squamigera, from south-west Ecuador 67 GREENEY, H. F„ MARTIN, P. R„ GELIS, R. A., SOLANO-UGALDE, A., BONIER, F„ FREEMAN, B. & MILLER, E. T. Notes on the breeding of high-Andean birds in northern Ecuador 24 GREGORY, P. See DUTSON, G. GREGORY, S. M. S. The authorship of the generic name Argusianus 206 HANDSCHUH, M., VAN ZALINGE, R. N„ OLSSON, U„ SAMPHOS, P„ CHAMNAN, H. & EVANS, T. D. First confirmed record and first breeding record of Indian Spotted Eagle Aquila hastata in Indochina 118 HARRIS, J. B. C. See MADIKA, B. HARTMANN, P. A. See MULLER REBELATO, M. HELBIG, A. J. See SHIRIHAI, H. HUNTER, N. D. See TURNER, D. A. INGELS, J., DECHELLE, M. & B0GH, R. Little Wood Rail Aramides mangle, a Brazilian endemic, found in French Guiana 200 JANSEN, J. J. F. J. See LECROY, M. JONES, C. G. See TATA YAH, R. V. JUINA, M. See BONACCORSO, E. JUINA J., M. E. See GREENEY, H. F. KIRWAN, G. M. External characters suggest that Long-tailed Manakin Chiroxiphia linearis is monotypic 76 KIRWAN G. M. Notes on the nests of five species in south-eastern Ecuador, including the first breeding data for Black-and-white Tody-Tyrant Poecilotriccus capitalis 191 KIRWAN, G. M. See SHIRIHAI, H. KROLL, O. See LOPEZ-VICTORIA, M. LEES, A. C. & VANDERWERF, E. A. First record of Blyth's Pipit Anthus godlewskii for Micronesia 212 LEADER, P. J. Taxonomy of the Pacific Swift Apus pacificus Latham, 1802, complex 81 Author and Contents Index 302 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) LECROY, M. & JANSEN, J. J. F. J. Joannes Maximiliaan Dumas, bird collector in the East Indies and New Guinea 171 LIMA HAGI, L. Y. G. See SILVA, M. LOPEZ-VICTORIA, M., KROLL, O. & ESTELA, F. A. Unusual offshore record of Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis on Malpelo Island, Colombia, Eastern Tropical Pacific 202 MAD1KA, B„ PUTRA, D. D„ HARRIS, J. B. C, YONG, D. L„ MALLO, F. N„ RAHMAN, A., PRAWIRADILAGA, D. M. & RASMUSSEN, P. C. An undescribed Ninox hawk owl from the highlands of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia? 94 MALLO, F. N. See MADIKA, B. MARANTZ, C. A., ASCANIO, D. & DANIELS, B. E. First records of White-winged Nyctibius leucopterus and Rufous Potoos N. bracteatus in Venezuela 41 MARTIN, P. R. See GREENEY, H. F. MARIN, M . On the breeding biology of Yellowish Flycatcher Empidonax flavescens in Costa Rica 266 MILLER, E. T. See GREENEY, H. F. MILLS, M. S. L. & VAZ, A. The nest and eggs of Margaret's Batis Batis margaritae 208 MLIKOVSKY, J. The authorship and type locality of Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis 292 MULLER REBELATO, M., FONTANA, C. S., REPENNING, M. & HARTMANN, P. A. First documented record of Sharp-billed Canastero Asthenes pyrrholeuca in Brazil 134 NETO, M. R. See SILVA, M. NORIEGA, J. I. See ARETA, J. 1. NOTTON, D. G. The availability and validity of the name Forpus flavicollis Bertagnolio & Racheli, 2010, for a parrotlet from Colombia 221 OLIVEIRA, D. V. See SILVA, M. OLSSON, U. See HANDSCHUH, M. PAGANO, L. See ARETA, J. I. PASQUET, E. See CIBOIS, A. PERRON, R. M. The taxonomic status of Casuarius bennetti papuanus and C. b. westermanni 54 PICHORIM, M. See SILVA, M. PIEDR AHIA, P. See BONACCORSO, E. PRAWIRADILAGA, D. M. See MADIKA, B. PRYS-JONES, R. P. Type specimens of the Imperial Woodpecker Campephilus imperialis (Gould, 1832) 256 PUTRA, D. D. See MADIKA, B. PYLE, P. Nomenclature of the Laysan Honeycreeper Himatione [sanguined] fraithii 116 RASMUSSEN, P. C. See MADIKA, B. RAHMAN, A See MADIKA, B. RENAUDIER, A. See CLAESSENS, O. REPENNING, M. See MULLER REBELATO, M. RIBEIRO, A. D. See RUIZ-ESPARZA, J. ROCHA, P.A. See RUIZ-ESPARZA, J. RODRIGUEZ, A. See RODRIGUEZ, B. Author and Contents Index 303 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) RODRIGUEZ, B., SIVERIO, F., SIVERIO, M. & RODRIGUEZ, A. Variable plumage coloration of breeding Barbary Falcons Falco ( peregrinus ) pelegrinoides in the Canary Islands: do other Peregrine Falcon subspecies also occur in the archipelago? 140 ROESLER, I. See ARETA, J. I. RUIZ -ESPARZA, J., ROCHA, P.A., RIBEIRO, A. D„ FERRARI, S. F. & ARAUJO, H. F. P. Expansion of the known range of Tawny Piculet Picumnus fulvescens including the south bank of the Sao Francisco River in north-east Brazil 217 SALAMOLARD, M. See TATAYAH, R. V. SAMPHOS, P See HANDSCHUH, M. SHAW, D. N. See FORSCHLER, M. I. SHIRIHAI, H., KIRWAN, G. M. & HELBIG, A. J. A new taxon in the Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens complex 270 SILVA, M„ ALBUQUERQUE FRANQA, B. R„ LIMA HAGI, L. Y. G., NETO, M. R., OLIVEIRA, D. V. & PICHORIM, M. New sites and range extensions for endemic and endangered birds in extreme north-east Brazil 234 SIVERIO, F. See RODRIGUEZ, B. SIVERIO, M. See RODRIGUEZ, B. SOLANO-UG ALDE, A. Notes on the distribution and natural history of bird species in the Choco bioregion of Ecuador 249 SOLANO-UGALDE, A. See GREENEY, H. F. TATAYAH, R. V., JONES, C. G., BIRCH, D. & SALAMOLARD, M. First record of Reunion Black Petrel Pseudobulweria aterrima on Mauritius 64 THIBAULT, J.-C. See CIBOIS, A. TURNER, D. A., FINCH, B. W. & HUNTER, N. D. Remarks concerning the all-black coastal boubous ( Laniarius spp.) of Kenya and southern Somalia 125 VANDERWERF, E. A. See LEES, A. C. VAN ZALINGE, R. N. See HANDSCHUH, M. VAZ, A. See MILLS, M. S. L. VOISIN, J.-F. See CARLOS, C. J. WICHEP, J. See BUDEN, D. W. WILSON, R. E. See CAMACHO, C. WOXVOLD, I. A. & CROME, F. H. J. First description of the nest and egg of Orange-crowned Fairy-wren Clytomyias insignis, from the southern highlands of Papua New Guinea 296 YONG, D. L. See MADIKA, B. ZUCCON, D. Taxonomic notes on some Muscicapidae 196 ZUCCON, D. A new name for the Montserrat Forest Thrush 199 Scientific Names Index 304 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) INDEX TO SCIENTIFIC NAMES All generic and specific names (of birds only) are indexed. New specific and subspecific names are indexed in bold print under generic, specific and subspecific names. Illustrations and figures are numbered in italics. Acanthopneuste buruensis 186 Acanthopneuste floris 186 Accipiter bicolor 106 Accipiter cirrocephalus 183 Accipiter fasciatus 186 Accipiter guttifer 106 Accipiter novaehollandiae 186 Accipiter poliogaster 241, 243 Accipiter trinotatus 186 Acrocephalus aequinoctialis 36, 37 Acrocephalus atyphus 32-36, 37, 38 Acrocephalus australis 36, 37 Acrocephalus caffer 34-36, 37, 38, 39 Acrocephalus familiaris 36, 37 Acrocephalus kerearako 36, 37 Acrocephalus longirostris 34, 36, 37, 38 Acrocephalus luscinius 32-40, 35, 36, 37 Acrocephalus mendanae 36, 37, 38 Acrocephalus musae 34-36, 37, 38, 39 Acrocephalus orientalis 37 Acrocephalus percernis 34-36, 37, 38, 39 Acrocephalus rimitarae 36, 37 Acrocephalus stentoreus 37 Acrocephalus taiti 36, 37 acuticauda, Apus 81, 87, 91, 92 addita, Microeca 186 additus, Rhinomyias 186 Aedicnemus vocifer 106 Aegotheles bennettii 103, 105, 106 Aegotheles plumifera 105, 106 aenea, Ducula 103, 105, 107 aeneus, Muscadivores 105, 107 aequinoctialis, Acrocephalus 36, 37 aethiopicus, Laniarius 125, 126, 161 aethiops, Thamnophilus 106 affinis, Ninox 99 Agelasticus xanthophthalmus 241, 247 Aglaeactis cupripennis 28 Agriomis montana 28 aguimp, Motacilla 107 Alauda chuana 109 Alauda (Megalophonus) plebeja 107 alba, Tyto 27 albiceps, Elaenia 28 albidiventris, Cinclodes 24 albigularis, Phyllastrephus 154, 161 albofasciata, Chersomanes 110 albosquamatus, Picumnus 106 Alca impennis 72 Alcedo amazona 109 alfredi, Otus 186 alfredi, Pisorhina 186 alpina, Muscisaxicola 24, 26 Amaurornis moluccanus 61 Amauromis phoenicurus 62, 63, 108 Amaurospiza carrizalensis 42 amazona, Alcedo 109 amazona, Chloroceryle 109 Amazona mercenaria 107 Amazona mercenarius 103, 105 amazonum, Heteropelma 108, 109 amazonum, Urogalba 109 amazonus, Sittasomus 109 americanus, Coccyzus 129-132 Ammomanes deserti 273, 284 Ammomanes phoenicura 108 Ampelion rubrocristatus 28 Ampelis cayana 111 analis, Formicarius 106 analoga, Ptilotis 107 Anas andium 27 Anas cyanoptera 69, 69-71, 70 Anas discors 70 Anas dominica 111 Anas penelope 42, 53 Ancistrops strigilatus 245 andicola, Grallaria 68 andicola, Leptasthenura 25 Andigena hypoglauca 28 andium. Anas 27 Andropadus gracilirostris 154 Andropadus virens 155 Androphilus disturbans 186 angustifrons, Psarocolius 244 anomala, Cossypha 197 anomalus, Caffrornis 197 anonymus, Cisticola 160 Anthipes submoniliger 106 Anthracothorax dominicus 111 Anthus bogotensis 29 Anthus campestris 214 Anthus godlewskii 212-217, 214 Anthus hodgsoni 212 Anthus richardii 213 Anthus rufulus 214 Anthus trivialis 213 Aphelocoma unicolor 123 Apus acuticauda 81, 87, 91, 92 Apus cooki 88, 89, 92 Apus leuconyx 89, 92 Apus pacificus 81-93, 85, 86 Apus salimali 88, 92 Aquila chrysaetos 118, 119, 120 Aquila clanga 118-120 Aquila hastata 118-122,219 Aquila heliaca 118, 119, 120 Aquila nipalensis 118, 229, 120 Aquila pomarina 118, 119, 120 Aquila rapax 118, 119, 120 Aramides 210-212 Aramides axillaris 201,211 Aramides cajanea 1 1 1, 201, 243 Aramides cajaneus 103,114 Aramides mangle 200, 200-202 Aramides wolfi 210, 211, 249, 250 Aramidopsis plateni 95 Aratinga pertinax 111, 112 archeri, Caffrornis 197 Scientific Names Index 305 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) archeri, Cossypha 197 ardesiaca, Fulica 27 argentoratensis, Garrulus 110 Argus 206, 207 argus, Argusianus 207 Argus giganteus 206, 207 Argusianus 206, 207 Argusianus argus 207 argus, Phasianus 206, 207 armata, Merganetta 27 Asthenes pyrrholeuca 134, 134-136, 135 Asthenes wyatti 263 Ateleodacnis speciosa 109 aterrima, Pseudobulweria 64-66, 65 Atlapetes latinuchus 264 Atlapetes pallidinucha 30 Atlapetes schistaceus 30 Atlapetes tricolor 261, 264 atrata, Fulica 61 atripennis, Phyllanthus 158 atropileus, Hemispingus 29 Attila phoenicurus 108 atyphus, Acrocephalus 32-36, 37, 38 auratus. Capita 244 aureliae, Flaplophaedia 263 auriculata, Zenaida 27 australis, Acrocephalus 36, 37 Automolus melanopezus 244 Automolus rufipileatus 244 axillaris, Aramides 201,211 Bangsia edwardsi 253 baraui, Pterodroma 65 Barbatula coryphaea 108 barbatus, Pycnonotus 155 Basileuterus nigrocristatus 29 Batis margaritae 208-210, 209 Batrachostomus moniliger 106 baumanni, Phyllastrephus 154—164, 159, 161 bengalus, Fringilla 110, 111 bengalus, Uraeginthus 111 bennetti, Casuarius 56 bennettii, Aegotheles 103, 105, 106 berlepschi, Crypturellus 249 beverlyae, Synallaxis 42 bicolor, Accipiter 106 bistriatus, Burhinus 106 Bleda canicapillus 156 blissetti, Dyaphorophyia 156 bogotensis, Anthus 29 bohemicus, Garrulus 110 Bombycilla garrulus 110 bonthaina, Ficedula 186 bonthaina, Siphia 186 boobook, Ninox 99 bouvreuil, Sporophila 5, 12, 20 Brachypteryx Boris 186 Brachypteryx montana 186 brachyura, Camaroptera 156 brachyura, Poecilodryas 186 bracteatus, Dicrurus 186 bracteatus, Nyctibius 41, 42, 46-51 Bradypterus castaneus 186 Bremus 207 bresilia, Tanagra 111 bresilius, Ramphocelus 111 brevirostris, Collocalia 92 Bubulcus ibis 243 Bucco tamatia 106 burhani, Ninox 94, 99 Burhinus bistriatus 106 buruensis, Acanthopneuste 186 buruensis, Erythromyias 186 buruensis, Ficedula 186 Buteo polyosoma 27 Buthraupis eximia 29 Buthraupis montana 29 Cacicus haemorrhous 247 Cacicus leucoramphus 30 caerulescens, Diglossa 261, 264 caerulescens, Sporophila 12 caeruleus, Cyanerpes 246 caffer, Acrocephalus 34-36, 37, 39 caffer, Caffrornis 197 caffra, Cossypha 197 caffra, Motacilla 197 Caffrornis 197 Caffrornis anomalus 197 Caffrornis archeri 197 Caffrornis caffer 197 cajanea, Aramides 111,201,243 Cajanea, Fulica 111, 112, 114 cajaneus, Aramides 103, 114 Cajaneus, Turdus 112 Callene 197 Calliste lunigera 106 callonotus, Veniliornis 132 Calyptocichla serinus 103 Camaroptera brachyura 156 Camaroptera superciliaris 156 Campephilus gayaquilensis 132 Campephilus imperialis 256-260 campestris, Anthus 214 Canaria, Fringilla 110, 111 canaria, Serinus 111 canicapillus, Bleda 156 capensis, Zonotrichia 30, 246 capitalis, Poecilotriccus 191, 192, 193 Capita auratus 244 Caprimulgus longirostris 27 Caprimulgus pectoralis 106 Caprimulgus ruwenzorii 106 Capsiempis flaveola 109 'caraguata', Sporophila 20 'caraguata', Sporophila 20 carbo, Phalacrocorax 292-295 Carduelis citrinella 189-191, 190 Carduelis magellanica 30 Carolina, Porzana 111 carolinus, Euphagus 111 carolinus, Melanerpes 111 carolinus, Picus 111 carolinus, Rallus 111 carolinus, Turdus 111 carrizalensis, Amaurospiza 42 carunculatus, Phalcoboenus 27 castaneiventris, Sporophila 5 castaneus, Bradypterus 186 castaneus, Pachyramphus 109 Scientific Names Index Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) 306 Casuarius bennetti 54-58, 56 casuarius, Casuarius 54 Casuarius casuarius 54 Casuarius edwardsi 55 Casuarius goodfellowi 55 Casuarius papuanus 54-58 Casuarius unappendiculatus 54 Casuarius westermanni 54, 55, 58 Catamblyrynchus diadema 30 Catamenia inornata 30 Cataponera turdoides 186 cayana, Ampelis 111 cay ana, Cotinga 111 cayana, Dacnis 111 cayana, Motacilla 111 cayana, Piaya 111, 244 cayana, Tanagra 111 cayana, Tanga ra 111 cayana, Tityra 111 cayanus, Charadrius 111 cayanus, Corvus 111 cayanus, Cuculus 111 cayanus, Cyanocorax 111 cayanus, Lanius 111 cayanus, Vanellus 111 cayelii, Strix 186 Celeus flavus 244 Cephalopterus penduliger 106 Cephenemyia phobifer 103 Cephenemyia phobifera 104 Cercomacra tyrannina 107 Cercotrichas coryphaeus 108 Certhilauda chuana 109 Certhilauda garrula 110 Chaetura martinica 111 chalcopterus, Pionus 132 Chalcostigma herrani 28 Chalcostigma stanleyi 28 Charadrius cayanus 111 Charadrius crassirostris 165-170, 266, 168 Charadrius Dominicus 111 Charadrius wilsonia 165-170 cheniana, Mirafra 109 cherina, Cisticola 109 cherina, Drymoica 109 Chersomanes albofasciata 110 chilensis, Tangara 195 chimborazo, Oreotrochilus 28 chiniana, Cisticola 109 chiniana, Drymoica 109 Chiroxiphia linearis 76-80, 77, 78 chloris. Halcyon 107 chloris, Todiramphus 107 chlorocephalus, Oriolus 106 Chloroceryle amazona 109 Chlorocharis squamiceps 186 Chlorocichla simplex 157 Chlorophonia flavirostris 253 chloropus, Gallinula 59, 61-63 chlororhynchos, Thalassarche 42 choliba. Megascops 105 choliba, Otus 103, 105, 106 Chordeiles gundlachii 107 Chordeiles virginianus 107 chrysaetos, Aquila 118, 219, 120 chrysomelas, Phasianus 256 chuana, Alauda 109 chuana, Certhilauda 109 Cichlherminia 199 Cichlherminia lawrencii 199 Cichlherminia lherminieri 199 Ciconia crumenifera 105, 106 Cinclidium 197, 198 Cinclidium frontale 197 Cinclodes albidiventris 24 Cinclodes excelsior 25 Cinclosoma monilegera 106 Cinclosoma setafer 106 Cinclus leucocephalus 29 cinereum, Conirostrum 29 cinereus, Poliolimnas 61 cinnamomea, Pyrrhomyias 28 cinnamomea, Sporophila 4-8, 20, 11, 12, 24, 25, 26, 17, 18, 20, 23 cinnamomeiventris, Ochthoeca 263 Cinnycerthia unirufa 29 Cinnyris 107 Cinnyris jugularis 186 Cinnyris sericea 107 Cinnyris zenobia 186 cirrhatus, Niseatus 229 cirrhatus, Spizaetus 118 cirrocephalus, Accipiter 183 Cisticola anonymus 160 Cisticola cherina 109 Cisticola chiniana 109 Cisticola ruficeps 111,112 Cistothorus platensis 29 citrinella, Carduelis 189-191, 290 clanga, Aquila 118, 2 29, 120 Clypicterus oseryi 247 Clytomyias 297, 298 Clytomyias insignis 296, 296-298 Cnipodectes subbrunneus 245 Coccyzus americanus 129-132 Coccyzus euleri 128-133 Coccyzus julieni 132 Coeligena lutetiae 28, 252 Coeligena torquata 261 Coeligena violifer 106 Coeligena wilsoni 249, 252 Colibri coruscans 27 collari, Otus 94 collaris, Sporophila 18 Collocalia brevirostris 92 colombica, Thalurania 106 Columba guinea 111, 112 Columba livia 27 Columba mada 186 Columba martinica 111 Colymbus dominicus 111,113 Conirostrum cinereum 29 Conirostrum sitticolor 29 Conirostrum speciosum 109 connivens, Ninox 99 Conothraupis speculigera 106 Conurus phoenicurus 108 cooki, A pus 88, 92 Scientific Names Index Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) 307 Coracias garrulus 110 Coracias Garrulus 110 Coracina 205 Coracina incerta 186 coracinus, Entomodestes 253 corascans, Colibri 27 Corvus cayanus 111 Corvus meeki 205 Corvus orru 204-206 Corvus unicolor 94 Corvus woodfordi 205 coryphaea, Barbatula 108 coryphaea, Pogoniulus 103, 108 coryphaeus, Cercotrichas 108 coryphaeus, Erythropygia 108 coryphoeus, Sylvia 108 Cossypha 197 Cossypha anomala 197 Cossypha archeri 197 Cossypha caffra 197 Cotinga cayana 111 Cranioleuca erythrops 265 Cranioleuca sulphurifera 106 crassirostris, Charadrius 165-170, 166, 168 crassirostris, Heleia 186 crassirostris, Zosterops 186 Crateroscelis murina 186 Crateroscelis rufobrunnea 186 Criniger serinus 110 cristatus, Sakesphorus 235, 238 crucigera, Strix 105, 106 crumenifera, Ciconia 105, 106 crumenifer, Leptoptilos 103, 105 crumenifer, Leptoptilus 105 crumeniferus, Leptoptilos 105, 106 Cryptolopha montis 186 Cryptophaps poecilorrhoa 94 Crypturellus berlepschi 249 cucullata, Tangara 195 cucullatus, Orthotomus 186 Cuculus cayanus 111 Cuculus Vetula 107 cupripenrds, Aglaeactis 28 cyanea, Diglossa 265 cyanea, Diglossopis 29 Cyanerpes caeruleus 246 Cyanerpes nitidus 246 cyaneus, Malurus 298 cyanocephalus, Malurus 298 Cyanocorax 123 Cyanocorax cayanus 111 Cyanocorax unicolor 122-124 cyanoleuca, Notiochelidon 29 Cyanolyca turcosa 28 cyanoptera, Anas 69, 69-71, 70 cyanopterus, Pterophanes 28 Cyanoptila 198 Cyornis 198 cypriaca, Oenanthe 286 Dacnis cayana 111 dasypus, Delichon 213 decumanus, Psarocolius 244 Delichon dasypus 213 deliciosus, Machaeropterus 252 Dendrexetastes rufigula 106 Dendrobiastes hyperythra 186 Dendrocincla fuliginosa 251 Dendrocolaptes lacrymiger 106 Dendroica dominica 111 denti, Sylvietta 160 deserti, Ammomanes 273, 284 desmaresti, Tangara 195 diabolicus, Eurostopodus 95 diadema, Catamblyrynchus 30 diadema, Ochthoeca 264 Dicaeum geelvinkianum 187 Dicrurus bracteatus 186 Dicrurus hottentottus 107, 186 Dicrurus remifer 106 difficilis, Empidonax 268 Diglossa caerulescens 261, 264 Diglossa cyanea 265 Diglossa humeralis 29 Diglossa lafresnayii 29 Diglossopis cyanea 29 dignissima, Grallaria 67 Dimorpha monileger 106 discors, Anas 70 disturbans, Androphilus 186 Diuca speculifera 106 dohertyi, Lophozosterops 186 dominica. Anas 111 dominica, Dendroica 111 dominica, Motacilla 111,113 dominicanus, Larus 107 dominica, Pluvialis 111 dominica, Tanagra 111, 113 dominicus, Anthracothorax 111 Dominicus, Charadrius 111 dominicus, Colymbus 111, 113 dominicus, Dulus 111 dominicus, Nomonyx 111 dominicus, Tachybaptus 111 dominicus, Trochilus 111, 113 dominicus, Turdus 113 Drymoica cherina 109 Drymoica chiniana 109 Dryocopus lineatus 132 Dryoscopus nigerrimus 125 Dubusia taeniata 29 Ducula aenea 103, 105, 107 Dulus dominicus 111 dumasi, Geocichla 173, 186 dumasi, Zoothera 173, 186 duperryi, Megapodius 186 Dyaphorophyia blissetti 156 Edoliisoma meyeri 186 Edolius remifer 106 edwardsi, Bangsia 253 edwardsi, Casuarius 55 Egretta sacra 37 Elaenia albiceps 28 Elaenia martinica 111 Emberiza speculifera 106 Empidonax difficilis 268 Empidonax flavescens 266-269, 268 Empidonax traillii 269 Entomodestes coracinus 253 Scientific Names Index Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) 308 episcopus, Thraupis 103, 105, 107 Eremobius phoenicurus 108 Erinaceus malaccensis 112 Erithacus rubecula 197 erlangeri, Laniarius 125 Erocnemis vestitus 28 Erythacus 197 erythrogaster, Laniarius 126 Erythromyias buruensis 186 erythrops, Cranioleuca 265 Erythropygia coryphaeus 108 erythropygius, Pteroglossus 252 Erythrura trichroa 103, 105, 106 erythrurus, Terenotriccus 109 euleri, Coccyzus 128-133 Eumyias 198 Euphagus carolinus 111 Euphonia Jamaica 111 Eurostopodus diabolicus 95 everetti, Phyllergates 186 everetti, Pnoepyga 186 excelsior, Cinclodes 25 eximia, Buthraupis 29 exsul, Myrmeciza 106 exsul, Myrmelastes 106 Falco pelegrinoides 140 Falco peregrinus 140-153, 247 Falco sparverius 44, 47 Falco vocifer 106 familiaris, Acrocephalus 36, 37 fasciata, Rallina 61 fasciatus, Accipiter 186 ferrugineus, Laniarius 125 Ficedula 198 Ficedula bonthaina 186 Ficedula buruensis 186 Ficedula hyperythra 186 Ficedula hypoleuca 106 Ficedula monileger 106 Ficedula moniliger 198 Ficedula solitaris 106 filifera, Hirundo 106 filigera, Ptilotis 106 finschii, Oenanthe 284 flammulatus, Thripadectes 263 flaveola, Capsiempis 109 flavescens, Empidonax 266-269, 268 flavescens, Picumnus 219 tlavicollis, Forpus 221-224 flavirostris, Chlorophonia 253 flaviventer, Xanthotis 106 flavus, Celeus 244 floresii, Selasphorus 257 floris, Acanthopneuste 186 floris, Brachypteryx 186 Formicarius analis 106 Formicarius moniliger 106 Forpus flavicollis 221-224 forstenii, Megapodius 186 fraithi, Himatione 116, 117 fraithii, Himatione 116, 117 Frederickena unduliger 103, 105 Frederickena unduligera 105, 106 freethi, Himatione 116 freethii, Himatione 116 Fringilla bengalus 110,111 Fringilla Canaria 110,111 Fringilla jamaica 111,112 Fringilla ruficollis 18 Fringilla Senegala 111 frontale, Cinclidium 197 Fulica ardesiaca 27 Fulica atrata 61 Fulica Cajanea 111, 112, 114 Fulica martinica 111, 114 fuliginosa, Dendrocincla 251 fulvescens, Picumnus 217-221, 218, 220, 234, 235, 236 funebris, Laniarius 126 fuscater, Turdus 28 Galbalcyrhynchus leucotis 244 galeata, Myiagra 186 Gallinula chloropus 59, 61-63 Gallinula phoenicurus 108 gambieri. Halcyon 37 garrula, Certhilauda 110 garrula, Ortalis 110 Garrulax lineatus 106 Garrulax monileger 106 Garrulus argentoratensis 110 Garrulus bohemicus 110 garrulus, Bombycilla 110 garrulus, Coracias 110 garrulus, Lanius 110 garrulus, Lorius 110 garrulus, Phasianus 110 garrulus, Psittacus 110 gayaquilensis, Campephilus 132 geelvinkianum, Dicaeum 187 Geocichla dumasi 273, 186 Geomalia heinrichi 94 Geophaps plumifera 106 Geotrygon montana 111 Geotrygon purpurata 251 Geotrygon saphirina 251 Geranoaetus melanoleucus 27 gigantea, Melampitta 273, 186 gigantea, Mellopitta 273, 186 giganteus, Argus 206, 207 gigas, Patagonia 28 Glaucidium hardyi 48 godlewskii, Anthus 212-217, 224 goodfellowi, Casuarius 55 gracilirostris, Andropadus 154 Grallaria 68 Grallaria andicola 68 Grallaria dignissima 67 Grallaria guatimalensis 265 Grallaria haplonota 68 Grallaria nuchalis 68 Grallaria quitensis 28, 68 Grallaria ruficapilla 68 Grallaria rufocinerea 67 Grallaria squamigera 67, 67-69 Grallaria watkinsi 68 grand, Sula 203 grayi, Malurus 298 griseicapillus, Sittasomus 109 Scientific Names Index Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) 309 griseus, Nyctibius 46 guajana, Pitta 111 Guajanus, Turdus 111 guatimalensis, Grallaria 265 guinea, Columba 111, 112 guineensis, Ovis 112 gularis, Hellmayrea 28, 261, 263 gularis, Paroaria 246 gundlachii, Chordeiles 107 Guttera plumifera 106 guttifer, Accipiter 106 guttifer, Picumnus 106 guttifer, Tarsiger 106 guttifer, Totanus 106 guttifer, Tringa 106 guttuligera, Premnornis 106 guttuligera, Thripophaga 105, 106 guttuliger, Premnornis 103, 105 Gymnocrex rosenbergii 95 Gymnophaps mada 186 haematina, Spermophaga 156 haemorrhous, Cacicus 247 Halcyon chloris 107 Halcyon gambieri 37 Haliaeetus vocifer 106 halophila, Oenanthe 270 haplonota, Grallaria 68 Haplophaedia aureliae 263 hardyi, Glaucidium 48 Harpactes orrhophaeus 107 Harpactes vidua 107 hastata, Aquila 118-122, 119 heinei, Tangara 264 heinrichi, Geomalia 94 Heleia crassirostris 186 heliaca, Aquila 118, 119, 120 Heliangelus strophianus 252, 262 Heliomaster longirostris 241, 243 Hellmayrea gularis 28, 261, 263 Hemipodius lepurana 109 Hemispingus atropileus 29 Hemispingus superciliaris 30 Herpestes javanicus 65 herrani, Chalcostigma 28 Heteropelma amazonum 108, 109 Himatione fraithi 116, 117 Himatione fraithii 116, 117 Himatione freethi 116 Himatione freethii 116 Himatione sanguinea 116 Hirundo filifera 106 Hirundo martinica 111 Hirundo smithii 106 hispanica, Oenanthe 281, 286 hispidus, Phaethornis 243 hodgsoni, Anthus 212 holostictus, Thripadectes 191 hottentottus, Dicrurus 107, 186 humeralis, Diglossa 29 Hylia prasina 157 Hylophylax poecilinotus 107 hyperrhynchus, Notharchus 244 hyperythra, Dendrobiastes 186 hyperythra, Ficedula 186 hypochroma, Sporophila 5 Hypocnemis vidua 107 hypoglauca, Andigena 28 hypoleuca, Ficedula 106 hypoxantha, Sporophila 5, 18, 19 ibis, Bubulcus 243 Ibis molucca 111, 114 Illadopsis puveli 157 impennis, Alca 72 imperialis, Campephilus 256, 257 imperialis, Picus 256, 258, 259 incerta, Coracina 186 inexspectata, Tyto 95 inmaculata, Myrmeciza 251 inornata. Catamenia 30 inornatus, Phylloscopus 215 insignis, Clytomyias 296, 296-298 intermedia, Sporophila 18 ios, Ninox 94, 95, 97, 98, 100 isidori, Oroaetus 27 Ixos plebejus 107 Jamaica, Euphonia 111 Jamaica, Fringilla 111, 112 jelskii, Ochthoeca 265 jucunda, Pipreola 249, 253 jugularis, Cinnyris 186 julieni, Coccyzus 132 kerearako, Acrocephalus 36, 37 kirkii, Veniliornis 132 lacrymiger, Dendrocolaptes 106 lacrymiger, Lepidocolaptes 106 Lafresnaya lafresnayi 28 lafresnayii, Diglossa 29 lafresnayi, Lafresnaya 28 Lagonosticta senegala 111 Laniarius aethiopicus 125, 126, 161 Laniarius (aethiopicus) major 125 Laniarius erlangeri 125 Laniarius erythrogaster 126 Laniarius ferrugineus 125 Laniarius funebris 126 Laniarius leucorhynchus 156 Laniarius mufumbiri 126 Lanius cayanus 111 Lanius Garrulus 110 Lanius Senegalus 111 Larus dominicanus 107 Larus (Dominicanus) vetula 107 Larus serranus 27 latinuchus, Atlapetes 264 latrans, Scytalopus 28 lawrencii, Cichlherminia 199 lawrencii, Turdus 199 leontica, Schistolais 155 Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger 106 Leptasthenura andicola 25 Leptocoma sericea 107 Leptoptilos crumenifer 103, 105 Leptoptilos crumeniferus 105, 106 Leptoptilus crumenifer 105 Leptotila pallida 132 lepurana, Hemipodius 109 lepurana, Ortygis 109 Lepurana, Ortygis 109 Scientific Names Index 310 leucocephalus, Cinclus 29 leuconyx, Apus 89, 92 leucopterus, Nyctibius 41^5, 47-53 leucopyga, Oenanthe 273, 279, 281, 285 leucoramphus, Cacicus 30 leucorhynchus, Laniarius 156 leucotis, Galbalcyrhynchus 244 leucura, Oenanthe 281, 286 lewisii, Ptilopus 107 lherminieri, Cichlherminia 199 libonyana, Merula 109 libonyana, Turdus 103, 109 libonyanus, Turdus 109 limae, Picumnus 234, 235, 237, 239 linearis, Chiroxiphia 76-80, 77, 78 lineatus, Dryocopus 132 lineatus, Garrulax 106 livia, Columba 27 Lobospingus sigillifer 105, 106 Lonchura malacca 111 longirostris, Acrocephalus 34, 36, 37, 38 longirostris, Caprimulgus 27 longirostris, Heliomaster 241, 243 longirostris, Nasica 245 Lophozosterops dohertyi 186 Lophozosterops squamiceps 186 Lophozosterops subcristatus 186 Lophozosterops superciliaris 186 Lorius garrulus 110 Loxia malacca 111, 112 Loxia melanocephala 112 lugens, Oenanthe 270-291, 271, 272, 279, 280, 282, 283, 285 lugentoides, Oenanthe 270, 280 lugubris, Oenanthe 270, 280, 286 lunigera, Calliste 106 luscinius, Acrocephalus 32-40, 37 lutetiae, Coeligena 28, 252 Lybius vieilloti 161 macconnelli, Mionectes 109 macconnelli, Pipromorpha 109 Machaeropterus deliciosus 252 Machetornis rixosa 245 Macrocephalon maleo 95 macrorhyncha, Pachycephala 186 mada, Columba 186 mada, Gymnophaps 186 mada, Prioniturus 186 magellanica, Carduelis 30 major, Laniarius (aethiopicus) 125 malacca, Lonchura 111 malacca, Loxia 111, 112 malaccensis, Erinaceus 112 maleo, Macrocephalon 95 Malurus 296 Malurus cyaneus 298 Malurus cyanocephalus 298 Malurus grayi 298 mangle, Aramides 200, 200-202 margaritae, Batis 208-210, 209 martinica, Chaetura 11 1 martinica, Columba 1 1 1 martinica, Elaenia 111 martinica, Fulica 111, 114 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) martinica, Hirundo 111 martinica, Muscicapa 111 martinica, Porphyrio 111 martinicus, Porphyrio 103, 114 meeki, Corvus 205 Megapodius duperryi 186 Megapodius forstenii 186 Megascops choliba 105 Melampitta gigantea 173, 186 Melanerpes carolinus 111 Melanerpes pucherani 132 melanocephala, Loxia 112 melanocephalus, Myioborus 29 melanogaster, Sporophila 5 melanoleucus, Geranoaetus 27 melanopezus, Automolus 244 melanoptera, Metriopelia 27 melanura, Pachycephala 186 melanurus. Passer 107 melanurus, Ramphocaenus 109 Meliphaga vicina 107 Mellopitta gigantea 173, 186 mendanae, Acrocephalus 36, 37, 38 mercenaria, Amazona 107 mercenarius, Amazona 103, 105 mercenarius, Psittacus 105, 107 Merganetta armata 27 Merula libonyana 109 Metallura tyrianthina 28 Metallura williami 28 Metriopelia melanoptera 27 meyeri, Edoliisoma 186 Micrastur mirandollei 243 Micrastur semitorquatus 243 Microeca addita 186 Microeca oscillans 186 Micropsitta pusio 186 microrhynchum, Ramphomichron 28 minuta, Sporophila 5 Mionectes macconnelli 109 Mionectes olivaceus 245 Mirafra cheniana 109 Mirafra phoenicura 108 Mirafra sabota 107 mirandollei, Micrastur 243 molinae, Pyrrhura 108 molucca. Ibis 111, 114 moluccanus, Amaurornis 61 molucca, Threskiornis 111 moluccus, Threskiomis 103,114 Monarcha vidua 103, 105 Monarcha viduus 107 Monasa morphoeus 244 Monasa nigrifrons 244 monilegera, Cinclosoma 106 monileger, Dimorpha 106 monileger, Ficedula 106 monileger, Garrulax 106 moniliger, Ficedula 198 moniliger, Formicarius 106 montana, Agriornis 28 montana, Brachypteryx 186 montana, Geotrygon 1 1 1 montis, Cryptolopha 186 Scientific Names Index 311 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) montis, Seicercus 186 montserrati nom. nov., Turdus lherminieri 199 morphoeus, Monasa 244 Motacilla aguimp 107 Motacilla caffra 197 Motacilla cayana 111 Motacilla dominica 111, 113 Motacilla Phoenicurus 107, 108 Motacilla vidua 107 mufumbiri, Laniarius 126 murina, Crateroscelis 186 murina, Notiochelidon 29 musae, Acrocephalus 34-36, 37, 38, 39 Muscadivores aeneus 105, 107 Muscicapa martinica 111 Muscicapa speculigera 106 Muscicapa surinama 111, 112 Muscipipra vetula 107 Muscisaxicola alpina 24, 26 Myiagra galeata 186 Myiarchus tuberculifer 106 Myioborus melanocephalus 29 Myiomela 198 Myiornis senilis 28 Myiotriccus ornatus 108 Myophoneus 198 Myrmeciza exsul 106 Myrmeciza inmaculata 251 Myrmelastes exsul 106 Myzomela obscura 186 Myzomela simplex 186 Nasica longirostris 245 Nasiterna salvadorii 186 Neochelidon tibialis 193, 194, 246 Neomorphus radiolosus 249, 251 Nesocichla 199 nigerrimus, Dryoscopus 125 nigricans, Sayomis 28 nigriceps, Turdus 264 nigriceps, Veniliomis 28, 265 nigricollis, Phoenicircus 246 nigrifrons, Monasa 244 nigrocristatus, Basileuterus 29 nigrorufa, Sporophila 5 Niltava 198 Ninox 94-102 Ninox affinis 99 Ninox boobook 99 Ninox burhani 94, 99 Ninox ios 94, 95, 97, 98, 100 Ninox obscura 99 Ninox ochracea 96 Ninox philippensis 99 Ninox punctulata 96, 99 Ninox rudolfi 99 Ninox scutulata 99 Ninox [scutulata] obscura 99 Ninox squamipila 95, 99 Ninox sumbaensis 99 nipalensis, Aquila 118 ,119,120 Niseatus cirrhatus 119 nitens, Trochocercus 157 nitidus, Cyanerpes 246 Nomonyx dominicus 111 Notharchus hyperrhynchus 244 Notiochelidon cyanoleuca 29 Notiochelidon murina 29 novaehollandiae, Accipiter 186 nuchalis, Grallaria 68 nudigula, Pachycephala 186 Numida plumifera 106 Nyctibius bracteatus 41, 42, 46-51 Nyctibius griseus 46 Nyctibius leucopterus 41-53, 43 Nystactes tamatia 106 obscura, Myzomela 186 occipitalis, Podiceps 27 ochracea, Ninox 96, 98 Ochthodromus wilsonia 167 Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris 263 Ochthoeca diadema 264 Ochthoeca jelskii 265 Ochthoeca rufipectoralis 28 Oenanthe 273, 285 Oenanthe cypriaca 286 Oenanthe finschii 284 Oenanthe halophila 270 Oenanthe hispanica 281, 286 Oenanthe leucopyga 273, 279, 281, 285 Oenanthe leucura 281, 286 Oenanthe lugens 270-291, 271, 272, 279, 280, 282, 283, 285 Oenanthe lugens warriae, subsp. nov. 273 Oenanthe lugentoides 270, 280 Oenanthe lugubris 270, 280, 286 Oenanthe persica 270 Oenanthe picata 270, 273, 279, 280, 282, 285, 286, 287 Oenanthe pleschanka 281, 285 Oenanthe schalowi 270 Oestrus phobifer 103, 104 olivacea, Sylvia 123 olivaceus, Mionectes 245 olivaceus, Peucedramus 122 Oreortyx pictus 106 Oreotrochilus chimborazo 28 orientalis, Acrocephalus 37 Oriolus chlorocephalus 106 Oriolus sagittata 181 ornatus, Myiotriccus 108 Oroaetus isidori 27 orrhophaeus, Harpactes 107 orru, Corvus 204-206 Ortalis garrula 110 Ortalis vetula 107 Orthotomus cucullatus 186 ortoni, Penelope 249, 250 Ortygis lepurana 109 Ortygis Lepurana 109 Ortyx plumifera 106 oscillans, Microeca 186 oscillans, Rhinomyias 186 oseryi, Clypicterus 247 Otus alfredi 186 Otus choliba 103, 105, 106 Otus collari 94 Ovis guineensis 112 Pachycephala macrorhyncha 186 Scientific Names Index Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) 312 Pachycephala melanura 186 Pachycephala nudigula 186 Pachyramphus castaneus 109 Pachyramphus surinamus 111 Pachyramphus versicolor 28 pacificus, Apus 81-93, 85, 86 Pagolla wilsonia 165 pallida, Leptotila 132 pallidinucha, Atlapetes 30 palustris, Sporophila 4, 5, 17, 19, 20 papuanus, Casuarius 54-58, 56 Paroaria gularis 246 Parra senegalla 111 parzudakii, Tangara 106 Passer melanurus 107 Patagonia gigas 28 pectoralis, Caprimulgus 106 Pelecanus sinensis 292-294 pelegrinoides, Falco 140 penduliger, Cephalopterus 106 penelope, Anas 42, 53 Penelope ortoni 249, 250 Penelope vetula 107 percemis, Acrocephalus 34-36, 37, 38, 39 peregrinus, Falco 140-153, 147 persica, Oenanthe 270 pertinax, Aratinga 111, 112 Peucedramus olivaceus 122 Peucedramus taeniatus 122, 124 Phaethornis hispidus 243 Phalacrocorax carbo 292-295 Phalcoboenus carunculatus 27 Phasianus argus 206, 207 Phasianus chrysomelas 256 Phasianus garrulus 110 philippensis, Ninox 99 phobifera, Cephenemyia 104 phobifer, Cephenemyia 103 phobifer. Oestrus 103,104 Phoenicircus nigricollis 246 phoenicura, Ammomanes 108 phoenicura, Mirafra 108 phoenicura, Rhipidura 108 phoenicura, Tyrannula 108 phoenicurus, Amaurornis 62, 63, 108 phoenicurus, Attila 108 phoenicurus, Conurus 108 phoenicurus, Eremobius 108 phoenicurus, Gallinula 108 Phoenicurus, Motacilla 107, 108 phoenicurus, Phoenicurus 108 Phoenicurus phoenicurus 108 Pholidornis rushiae 160 Phrygilus plebejus 107 Phrygilus unicolor 27 Phyllanthus atripennis 158 Phyllastrephus albigularis 154, 161 Phyllastrephus baumanni 154-164, 159, 161 Phyllergates everetti 186 Phylloscopus inornatus 215 Phylloscopus poliocephalus 186 Phylloscopus presbytes 186 Piaya cayana 111, 244 picata, Oenanthe 270, 273, 279, 280, 282, 285, 286, 287 picta, Pyrrhura 109 pictus, Oreortyx 106 Picumnus albosquamatus 106 Picumnus flavescens 219 Picumnus fulvescens 217-221, 218, 220, 234-236 Picumnus guttifer 106 Picumnus limae 234, 235, 237, 239 Picus carolinus 111 Picus imperialis 256, 258, 259 Piezorhynchus vidua 105, 107 Pionopsitta pulchra 251 Pionus chalcopterus 132 Pipreola jucunda 249, 253 Pipromorpha macconnelli 109 Pisorhina alfredi 186 Pitta guajana 111 plateni, Aramidopsis 95 platensis, Cistothorus 29 Platycichla 199 plebeja, Alauda (Megalophonus) 107 plebejus, Ixos 107 plebejus, Phrygilus 107 plebejus, Turdoides 107 plebejus, Turdus 107 pleschanka, Oenanthe 281, 285, 286 plumbea, Sporophila 18 plumbeiceps, Poecilotriccus 193 plumbeiceps, Spermophila 18 plumifera, Aegotheles 105, 106 plumifera, Geophaps 106 plumifera, Guttera 106 plumifera, Numida 106 plumifera, Ortyx 106 Pluvialis dominica 111 Pnoepyga everetti 1 86 Pnoepyga pusilla 186 Podiceps occipitalis 27 poecilinotus, Hylophylax 107 Poecilodryas brachyura 186 poecilorrhoa, Cryptophaps 94 Poecilotriccus capitalis 191, 192, 193 Poecilotriccus plumbeiceps 193 Pogoniulus coryphaea 103, 108 Pogonocichla stellata 106 Poicephalus senegalus 111 poliocephalus, Phylloscopus 186 poliogaster, Accipiter 241, 243 Poliolimnas cinereus 61 polyosoma, Buteo 27 pomarina, Aquila 118, 119, 120 Porphyrio martinica 111 Porphyrio martinicus 103, 1 14 porphyrio, Porphyrio 59-63, 60 Porphyrio porphyrio 59-63, 60 Porzana Carolina I 1 1 prasina, Hylia 157 Premnornis guttuliger 103, 105 Premnornis guttuligera 106 presbytes, Phylloscopus 186 Prioniturus mada 186 promeropirhynchus, Xiphocolaptes 249, 252 Psaracolius viridis 247 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Scientific Names Index Psarocolius angustifrons 244 Psarocolius decumanus 244 Pseudalethe 197 Pseudobulweria aterrima 64-66, 65 Psittacus garrulus 110 Psittacus mercenarius 105, 107 Psittacus Senegalus 111 Pterocles senegallus 111 Pterodroma baraui 65 Pteroglossus erythropygius 252 Pterophanes cyanopterus 28 Ptilinopus viridis 107 Ptilopus lewisii 107 Ptilotis 107 Ptilotis analoga 107 Ptilotis filigera 106 pucherani, Melanerpes 132 pulchra, Pionopsitta 251 punctulata, Ninox 96, 99 punctuliger, Thamnophilus 106 purpurata, Geotrygon 251 pusilla, Pnoepyga 186 pusio, Micropsitta 186 puveli, Illadopsis 157 Pycnonotus barbatus 155 pyrrholeuca, Asthenes 134, 134-136 Pyrrhomyias cinnamomea 28 Pyrrhura molinae 108 Pyrrhura picta 109 quitensis, Grallaria 28, 68 radiolosus, Neomorphus 249, 251 Rallina fasciata 61 Rallus carolinus 111 ramphastinus, Semnornis 265 Ramphocaenus melanurus 109 Ramphocelus bresilius 111 Ramphomichron microrhynchum 28 rapax, Aquila 118, 119, 120 reinwardtii, Reinwardtoena 186 Reinwardtoena reinwardtii 186 remifer, Dicrurus 106 remifer, Edolius 106 resplendens, Vanellus 27 Rhinomyias 198 Rhinomyias additus 186 Rhinomyias oscillans 186 Rhipidura phoenicura 108 Rhipidura rufiventris 107 Rhipidura superflua 186 Rhipidura vidua 107 richardii, Anthus 213 rimitarae, Acrocephalus 36, 37 Rissa tridactyla 42 rixosa, Machetornis 245 rosenbergii, Gymnocrex 95 Rostrhamus sociabilis 202-204, 203 rubecula, Erithacus 197 rubrocristatus, Ampelion 28 rudolfi, Ninox 99 ruficapilla, Grallaria 68 ruficeps, Cisticola 111,112 ruficollis, Fringilla 18 ruficollis, Sporophila 4-23, 9, 13, 14 ruficollis, Stelgidopteryx 265 313 rufigula, Dendrexetastes 106 rufigularis, Sclerurus 245 rufipectoralis, Ochthoeca 28 rufipileatus, Automolus 244 rufitorques, Turdus 123 rufiventris, Rhipidura 107 rufobrunnea, Crateroscelis 186 rufocinerea, Grallaria 67 rufulus, Anthus 214 rufus, Tachyphonus 246 rushiae, Pholidornis 160 ruwenzorii, Caprimulgus 106 sabota, Mirafra 107 sacra, Egretta 37 sagittata, Oriolus 181 Sakesphorus cristatus 235, 238 salimali, Apus 88, 92 salvadorii, Nasiterna 186 sanguinea, Himatione 116 saphirina, Geotrygon 251 Saurothera vetula 107 Sayornis nigricans 28 schalowi, Oenanthe 270 Schiffornis turdina 103, 108, 109 schistaceus, Atlapetes 30 Schistochlamys speculigera 106 Schistolais leontica 155 schrankii, Tangara 194, 195 Sclerurus rufigularis 245 scutulata, Ninox 99 [scutulata] obscura, Ninox 99 Scytalopus latrans 28 Seicercus montis 186 Selasphorus floresii 257 semitorquatus, Micrastur 243 Semnornis ramphastinus 265 Senegala, Fringilla 111 senegala, Lagonosticta 111 senegalla, Parra 111 senegallus, Pterocles 111 senegallus, Tetrao 111 senegallus, Vanellus 111 Senegalus, Lanius 111 senegalus, Poicephalus 111 Senegalus, Psittacus 111 senegalus, Tchagra 1 1 1 senilis, Myiornis 28 sericea, Cinnyris 107 sericea, Leptocoma 107 serinus, Calyptocichla 103 Serinus canaria 111 serinus, Criniger 110 serranus, Larus 27 setafer, Cinclosoma 106 Sheppardia 197 sigillifer, Lobospingus 105, 106 simplex, Chlorocichla 157 simplex, Myzomela 186 sinensis, Pelecanus 292-294 Siphia bonthaina 186 Sittasomus amazonus 109 Sittasomus griseicapillus 109 sitticolor, Conirostrum 29 smithii, Hirundo 106 Scientific Names Index Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) 314 sociabilis, Rostrhamus 202-204, 203 solitaris, Ficedula 106 solstitialis. Troglodytes 29 somadikartai, Zosterops 94 sororcula, Tyto 186 sparverius, Falco 44, 47 speciosa, Ateleodacnis 109 speciosum, Conirostrum 109 speculifera, Diuca 106 speculifera, Emberiza 106 speculigera, Conothraupis 106 speculigera, Muscicapa 106 speculigera, Schistochlamys 106 Spermophaga haematina 156 Spermophilae 4 Spermophila plumbeiceps 18 Spilospizias trinotatus 186 Spizaetus cirrhatus 118 Sporagra yarrellii 235, 238, 239 Sporophila bouvreuil 5, 12, 20 Sporophila caerulescens 12 Sporophila 'caraguata' 20 Sporophila 'caraguata' 20 Sporophila castaneiventris 5 Sporophila cinnamomea 4-8, 10, 11, 14-18, 20 Sporophila collaris 18 Sporophila hypochroma 5 Sporophila hypoxantha 5, 18, 19 Sporophila intermedia 18 Sporophila melanogaster 5 Sporophila minuta 5 Sporophila nigrorufa 5 Sporophila palustris 4, 5, 17, 19, 20 Sporophila plumbea 18 Sporophila ruficollis 4-23, 9, 13-15 Sporophila zelichi 4, 5, 8, 17, 19, 20 squamiceps, Chlorocharis 186 squamiceps, Lophozosterops 186 squamigera, Grallaria 67-69 squamipila, Ninox 95, 99 stanleyi, Chalcostigma 28 Stelgidopteryx ruficollis 265 stellata, Pogonocichla 106 stentoreus, Acrocephalus 37 Stiphrornis 197 stolzmanni, Tyranneutes 246 strigilatus, Ancistrops 245 Strix cayelii 186 Strix crucigera 105, 106 strophianus, Heliangelus 252, 262 subbrunneus, Cnipodectes 245 subcristatus, Lophozosterops 186 submoniliger, Anthipes 106 Sula granti 203 sulphurifera, Cranioleuca 106 sulphurifera, Synallaxis 106 sumbaensis, Ninox 99 superciliaris, Camaroptera 156 superciliaris, Hemispingus 30 superciliaris, Lophozosterops 186 superciliaris, Zosterops 186 superflua, Rhipidura 186 surinama, Muscicapa 1 1 1, 112 surinamus, Pachyramphus 111 surinamus, Tachyphonus 111 surinamus, Turdus 111, 112 sylvaticus, Turnix 103, 109 Sylvia coryphoeus 108 Sylvia olivacea 123 Sylvia taeniata 122, 123, 124 Sylvietta denti 160 Sylvietta virens 156 Synallaxis beverlyae 42 Synallaxis sulphurifera 106 Tachybaptus dominicus 1 1 1 Tachyphonus rufus 246 Tachyphonus surinamus 111 taeniata, Dubusia 29 taeniata, Sylvia 122-124 taeniatus, Peucedramus 122, 124 taiti, Acrocephalus 36 tamatia, Bucco 106 tamatia, Nystactes 106 Tanagra bresilia 111 Tanagra cayana 111 Tanagra dominica 111, 113 Tangara cayana 111 Tangara chilensis 195 Tangara cucullata 195 Tangara desmaresti 195 Tangara heinei 264 Tangara parzudakii 106 Tangara schrankii 293, 194, 195 Tangara vitriolina 29 Tarsiger 198 Tarsiger guttifer 106 Tchagra senegalus 111 Telophorus zeylonus 1 1 1 tenuepunctatus, Thamnophilus 192 Terenotriccus erythrurus 109 Tetraogallus tibetanus 106 Tetrao senegallus 111 Thalassarche chlororhynchos 42 Thalurania colombica 106 Thamnophilus aethiops 106 Thamnophilus punctuliger 106 Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus 192 Thamnophilus unduliger 105, 106 Thraupis episcopus 103,105,107 Threskiornis molucca 1 1 1 Threskiornis moluccus 103, 114 Thripadectes flammulatus 263 Thripadectes holostictus 191 Thripophaga guttuligera 105, 106 Thripophaga sp. nov. 42 tibetanus, Tetraogallus 106 tibialis, Neochelidon 193, 194, 246 Tityra cayana 111 Todiramphus chloris 107 torquata, Coeligena 261 Totanus guttifer 106 traillii, Empidonax 269 trichroa, Erythrura 103, 105, 106 tricolor, Atlapetes 261, 264 tridactyla, Rissa 42 Tringa guttifer 106 trinotatus, Accipiter 186 trinotatus, Spilospizias 186 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) Scientific Names Index trivialis, Anthus 213 Trochilus dominicus 111,113 Trochilus violifer 106 Trochocercus nitens 157 Troglodytes solstitialis 29 tuberculifer, Myiarchus 106 tuberculifer, Tyrannus 106 turcosa, Cyanolyca 28 turdina, Schiffomis 103, 108, 109 turdoides, Cataponera 186 Turdoides plebejus 107 Turdus 199 Turdus Cajaneus 112 Turdus Carolinus 111 Turdus dominicus 113 Turdus fuscater 28 Turdus Guajanus 111 Turdus lawrencii 199 Turdus lherminieri montserrati nom. nov. 199 Turdus libonyana 103, 109 Turdus libonyanus 109 Turdus nigriceps 264 Turdus plebejus 107 Turdus rufitorques 123 Turdus surinamus 111,112 Turdus zeyl onus 111 Turnix sylvaticus 103, 109 Tyranneutes stolzmanni 246 tyrannina, Cercomacra 107 Tyrannula phoenicura 108 Tyrannus tuberculifer 106 tyrianthina, Metallura 28 Tyto 95 Tyto alba 27 Tyto inexspectata 95 Tyto sororcula 186 unappendiculatus, Casuarius 54 unduligera, Frederickena 105, 106 unduliger, Frederickena 103 unduliger, Thamnophilus 105, 106 unicolor, Aphelocoma 123 unicolor, Corvus 94 unicolor, Cyanocorax 122-124 unicolor, Phrygilus 27 unirufa, Cinnycerthia 29 Uraeginthus bengalus 111 Urogalba amazonum 109 Vanellus cayanus 111 Vanellus resplendens 27 Vanellus senegallus 111 Veniliornis callonotus 132 Veniliornis kirkii 132 Veniliornis nigriceps 28, 265 315 versicolor, Pachyramphus 28 vestitus, Erocnemis 28 Vetula, Cuculus 107 vetula, Larus (Dominicanus) 107 vetula, Muscipipra 107 vetula, Ortalis 107 vetula, Penelope 107 vetula, Saurothera 107 vicina, Meliphaga 107 vidua, Harpactes 107 vidua, Hypocnemis 107 vidua, Monarcha 103, 105 vidua, Motacilla 107 vidua, Piezorhynchus 105, 107 vidua, Rhipidura 107 viduus, Monarcha 107 vieilloti, Lybius 161 violifer, Coeligena 106 violifer, Trochilus 106 virens, Andropadus 155 virens, Sylvietta 156 virginianus, Chordeiles 107 viridis, Psaracolius 247 viridis, Ptilinopus 107 vitriolina, Tangara 29 vocifer, Aedicnemus 106 vocifer, Falco 106 vocifer, Haliaeetus 106 warriae, subsp. nov., Oenanthe lugens 273 watkinsi, Grallaria 68 westermanni, Casuarius 54, 55, 58 williami, Metallura 28 wilsonia, Charadrius 165-170 wilsonia, Ochthodromus 167 wilsonia, Pagolla 165 wilsoni, Coeligena 249, 252 wolfi, Aramides 210, 211, 249, 250 woodfordi, Corvus 205 wyatti, Asthenes 263 xanthophthalmus, Agelasticus 241, 247 Xanthotis flaviventer 106 Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus 249, 252 yarrellii, Sporagra 235, 238, 239 zelichi, Sporophila 4, 5, 8, 17, 19, 20 Zenaida auriculata 27 zenobia, Cinnyris 186 zeylonus, Telophorus 111 zeylonus, Turdus 111 Zonotrichia capensis 30, 246 Zoothera dumasi 173, 186 Zosterops crassirostris 186 Zosterops somadikartai 94 Zosterops superciliaris 186 Corrections 316 Bull. B.O.C. 2011 131(4) CORRECTIONS TO TEXT Page 34 last line Orthotomus cucullatus not Orthotomus cuculatus Page 81 lines 1-2 'Taxonomy of the Pacific Swift Apus pacificus (Latham, 1802)' complex not 'Taxonomy of the Pacific Swift Apus pacificus Latham, 1802, complex' Page 92 line 23 'Apus pacificus (Latham, 1802)' not 'Apus pacificus Latham, 1801' Page 92 line 24 'subspecies kurodae (Domaniewski, 1933)' not subspecies 'kurodae Domaniewski, 1933' Page 92 line 26 ' Apus leuconyx (Blyth, 1845)' not ‘Apus leuconyx Blyth, 1845' Page 92 line 27 ‘Apus cooki (Harrington, 1913)' not 'Apus cooki Harrington, 1913' BOC Office P.O. Box 417, Peterborough PE7 3FX, UK E-mail: boc.office@bou.org.uk. Website: www.boc-online.org Tel. & Fax: +44 (0)1733 844 820. MEMBERSHIP Subscriptions were due for renewal on 1 January 2011. Please note that a single subscription rate (£25 from 2012) applies regardless of whether the subscriber is a member of the BOU or not. 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Miss H. Baker ( Chairman ) (2009) D. J. Fisher ( Vice-Chairman ) (2011) Dr R. P. Prys-Jones ( Hon Secretary) (2011) D. J. Montier (Hon. Treasurer) (1997) COMMITTEE S. M. S. Gregory (2009) K. Heron Jones (2009) R. R. Langley (2011) C. W. R. Storey (2009) M. J. Walton (2008) Ex-officio members Hon. Editor: G. M. Kirwan (1 January 2004) Chairman of BOU/BOC Joint Publications Committee (JPC): S. P. Dudley Administration Manager: S. P. Dudley (2005) BOU/BOC Commissioning Editor: Dr D. R. Wells (2009) Registered Charity No. 279583 Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club ISSN 0007-1595 Edited by Guy M. Kirwan Associate Editor: Frank D. Steinheimer Volume 131, Number 4, pages 225-316 Club Announcements 225 SILVA, M„ ALBUQUERQUE FRANgA, B. R„ LIMA HAGI, L. Y. G„ NETO, M. R„ OLIVEIRA, D. V. & PICHORIM, M. New sites and range extensions for endemic and endangered birds in extreme north-east Brazil 234 BUITRON-JURADO, G. Interesting distributional records of Amazonian birds from Pastaza, Ecuador 241 SOLANO-UGALDE, A. Notes on the distribution and natural history of bird species in the Choco bioregion of Ecuador 249 PRYS-JONES, R. P. Type specimens of the Imperial Woodpecker Campephilus imperialis (Gould, 1832) 256 BONACCORSO, E„ ARZUZA, D„ BUITRON-JURADO, G., CHARPENTIER, A. L„ JUINA, M., PIEDRAHIA, P. & FREILE, J. F. Range extensions and other noteworthy bird records from the Ecuadorian Andes 261 MARIN, M. On the breeding biology of Yellowish Flycatcher Empidonax flavescens in Costa Rica 266 SHIRIHAI, H., KIRWAN, G. M. & HELBIG, A. J. A new taxon in the Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens complex 270 MLIKOVSKY, J. The authorship and type locality of Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis 292 WOXWOLD, I. A. & CROME, F. H. J. First description of the nest and egg of Orange-crowned Fairy-wren Clytomyias in sign is, from the southern highlands of Papua New Guinea 296 Index for Volume 131 (2011) 299 EDITORIAL BOARD Murray Bruce, R. T. Chesser, Edward C. Dickinson, Franchise Dowsett-Lemaire, Steven M. S. Gregory, Jose Fernando Pacheco, Robert B. Payne, Pamela C. Rasmussen, Cees Roselaar, Thomas S. Schulenberg, Lars Svensson Authors are invited to submit papers on topics relating to the broad themes of taxonomy, nomenclature and distribution of birds. Descriptions of new species are especially welcome and will be given priority to ensure rapid publication, subject to successful passage through the normal peer review procedure, and wherever possible should be accompanied by colour photographs or paintings. On submission, manuscripts, double- spaced and with wide margins, should be sent to the Editor, Guy Kirwan, by e-mail, to GMKirwan@aol.com. Alternatively, two copies of manuscripts, typed on one side of the paper, may be submitted to the Editor, 74 Waddington Street, Norwich NR2 4JS, UK. Review, return of manuscripts for revision and subsequent stages of the publication process will be undertaken electronically. For instructions on style, see the inside rear cover of Bulletin 131(1) or the BOC website. Registered Charity No. 279583 © British Ornithologists' Club 2011 www.boc-online.org Printed on acid-free paper. Published by the British Ornithologists' Club Typeset by Alcedo Publishing of Arizona, USA, and printed by Latimer Trend, UK