[Peter Kovalik]

Originally Posted by Daniel Philippe

They eventually conclude that Gymnoglaux is a junior synonym of Gymnasio and propose a new name as a replacement: Margarobyas.

Sorry, I overlooked...

[SzimiStyle]

Anyone can help to find the subspecies of Eastern Barn Owl (Tyto javanica)?

Thanks, Szimi

[Richard Klim]

Originally Posted by SzimiStyle

Anyone can help to find the subspecies of Eastern Barn Owl (Tyto javanica)?
Thanks, Szimi

My understanding is that Tyto javanica 'Eastern Barn Owl' (as split by Christidis & Boles 2008) includes all populations from southern Asia through Australia and the Pacific, and therefore includes sspp stertens, javanica, deroepstorffi, sumbaensis, meeki, deliculata, 'interposita', crassirostris.
http://books.google.com/books?id=SFP...age&q=&f=false

[IOC additionally splits T deroepstorffi 'Andaman Masked Owl' (monotypic).]

[König & Weick 2008 retains sspp stertens & javanica within T alba 'Common Barn Owl'; but recognises T deroepstorffi 'Andaman Barn Owl' (monotypic), T deliculata 'Australian Barn Owl' (including sspp sumbaensis, meeki, deliculata, interposita), and T crassirostris 'Boang Barn Owl' (monotypic).]

Richard

[SzimiStyle]

Thanks a lot RIchard. I wonder what will happen with some of the 'American' subspecies. Will there be further splits?

Szimi

[Richard Klim]

Originally Posted by SzimiStyle

I wonder what will happen with some of the 'American' subspecies. Will there be further splits?
Szimi

Well, König & Weick already separate New World barn owls as four species (furcata, bargei, insularis, punctatissima), and identify one further potential split (contempta), but there seems to be little support elsewhere. AOU-SACC suggests possible recognition of T punctatissima (citing Wink et al 2008).

[And AOU recognised North American pratincola as a species until 1931...]

Richard

[Richard Klim]

Originally Posted by Richard Klim

Ref. König, C. & Weick, F. 2008. Owls of the World. Second Edition. Christopher Helm, London.

Taxonomic changes at species level and above (wrt the first edition, 1999) are summarised below.
Splits:

• Strix nivicola – 'Himalayan Wood Owl' – from S aluco – (includes ma, yamadae)

[Correct spelling: Strix nivicolum.]

Michiel de Boer on Oriental Birding today...

Hi Folks
Just a week back from the Western Himalayas for a short trip.
...
Some quick notes on Himalayan Owl of which the split is debated:
We heard three types of calls one is the typical short two-note call which is the male and could not sound more different than Tawny Owl male. Second were as I believe fledgelings which also sound completely different from Tawny Owl much louder and a cry rather then the Ssiisip or Psiep of Tawny Owl.
Third is probably the female call again completely different from Tawny Owl actually it reminded me strongly of the female of Strix rufipes which is a South American species.
There should be no question about this split. Pretty sure this species is not closely related to Tawny Owl.
Unfortunately we did not bring good recording equipment and besides the typical male call which is available we have poor recording of the probable fledgelings.
The female call was heard only once.
...
Best Regards
Michiel de Boer

The split is recognised by IOC and Cornell/Clements, except that (contra König & Weick) Cornell treats it as monotypic (excluding sspp ma and yamadae).

[mb1848]

"Third is probably the female call again completely different from Tawny Owl actually it reminded me strongly of the female of Strix rufipes which is a South American species."
"Syrnium nivicolum, The hooting is varied by a hoarse screeching note which the shikaris declare to be uttered by the female."
The Valley of Kashmir 1895 Sir Walter Roper Lawrence.