separate genus for Mountain Tailorbird?

[thyoloalethe]

Hi,

Does anybody know of an available genus name for the Mountain Tailobird (currently Orthotomus cuculatus)? Recent studies have shown it to be unrelated to other tailorbirds, and in fact it apparently belongs in the newly created family Cettiidae, rather than Cisticolidae. I remember stumbling by accident upon an available generic name for this species on the internet a few months ago, but I can't remember how I did and I can't seem to find it now. :stuck:

Thanks for any help,
Liam

[thyoloalethe]

Actually nevermind, I've found it...it was in HBW all along. It's Phyllergates, and it's the genus it's sister species, the Rufous-headed Tailorbird (Orthotomus heterolaemus), was initially described in. There's a small chance the type species was something other than O. cuculatus, but a google search seems to have only this species and its subspecies associated with the name. So it seems likely that the Mountan and Rufous-headed Tailorbirds will eventually be moved to Phyllergates, unless it's found they're embedded in something else, like Cettia.

Rather interestingly, just from looking at the illustrations in HBW, it appears that the Mountain Tailorbird, especially the nominate race, resembles the Broad-billed Warbler (Tickellia hodgsoni), at least in plumage if not in shape. This if I'm not mistaken is another apparent member of the Cettiidae.

[Tim Allwood]

Rather interestingly, just from looking at the illustrations in HBW, it appears that the Mountain Tailorbird, especially the nominate race, resembles the Broad-billed Warbler (Tickellia hodgsoni), at least in plumage if not in shape. This if I'm not mistaken is another apparent member of the Cettiidae.

Hi there

I almost replied suggesting this earlier on - they are suprisingly similar. I saw Broad-billed Warbler in Darjeeling in 2004 and it was remarkably like Mountain Tailorbird plumage and also behaviour-wise -foraging at a similar height etc, but not half as easy to see as Mountain Tailorbirds. I'll be interested to hear anything else you find out about this...

Tim

[Xenospiza]

Rather interestingly, just from looking at the illustrations in HBW, it appears that the Mountain Tailorbird, especially the nominate race, resembles the Broad-billed Warbler (Tickellia hodgsoni), at least in plumage if not in shape. This if I'm not mistaken is another apparent member of the Cettiidae.
Yes, as is Abroscopus. I guess there'll be a few more tailorbirds to sample to make the move final? I've no field experience with any of these...

[thyoloalethe]

I've no field experience with any of these either...interesting that Tickellia is similar behaviourwise as well. I don't know much more at this point but will keep my eyes peeled...these research papers don't come out fast enough unfortunately...