A series of recent papers have demonstrated that this genus is in need of taxonomic re-arrangement, largely involving splitting of some parts of the widespread, morphologically diverse "
ophthalmicus" (the subject of this proposal). Molecular studies show deep structural divisions within
Chlorospingus ophthalmicus populations on different mountain ranges which frequently track the morphological and vocal differences alluded to in other papers (Sanchez-Gonzalez et al. 2006, Bonnarsco et al. 2008, Weir et al. 2008: linked below). Some South American populations of
ophthalmicus are more closely related to other species than to conspecifics. There are further vocal and behavioural differences between unsampled populations (Cadena et al. 2006). There has been no sampling in published molecular work as regards Colombia in particular, where this group gets really interesting, but the study Gary Stiles mentions will remedy this gap. Species limits seem likely soon to result in restricting ophthalmicus so as not to be conspecific with
flavopectus, and making this proposal redundant. Priority is only an issue to the extent that
ophthalmicus and
flavopectus are considered conspecific.
I'd like to encourage widespread prevarication in adopting this change in the interim!
Bonnarsco, E., Navarro-Siguenza, A.G., Sanchez-Gonzalez, A. & Peterson, T & Garcia-Moreno, 2008 J. Genetic differentiation of the Chlorospingus ophthalmicus complex in Mexico and Central America. J Avian Biol. 39: 311-321.
http://200.31.31.2/Recursos/publicaciones/Cientifica/Bonaccorso et al (2008) - Chlorospingus.pdf
Cadena, D.C., Cordoba-Cordoba, S., Londono, G.A., Calderon-F., D., Martin, T.E. & Baptiste, M. P. 2007. Nesting and singing behaviour of Common Bush-Tanagers (Chlorospingus ophthalmicus) in South America. Orn. Col. 5: 54-63.
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/ordwaylab/londono/pdf/Cadenaetal2007.pdf
Sanchez-Gonzalez, L. A., Navarro-Siguenza, A. G., Peterson, T.. & Garcia-Moreno, J. 2007. Taxonomy of Chlorospingus ophthalmicus in Mexico and northern Central America. Bull BOC 127(1): 34-48
Weir, J.T., Bermingham, E., Miller, M., Klicka, J. & gonzalez, M. A. 2008. Phylogeography of a morphologically diverse Neotroipical montane species, the Common Bush-Tanager (Chlorospingus opthalmicus). Mol. Phyl. Evol. 650-664.
http://www.stri.si.edu/sites/publications/PDFs/2008_Weir_etalwBermingham.pdf
