HBW Vol.13 Holarctic splits (1 Viewer)

[Richard Klim]

I’ve just checked Handbook of the Birds of the World Vol. 13 (Penduline-tits to Shrikes) for its treatment of splits relevant to Holarctic species.

One surprise was the re-elevation of Aegithalos glaucogularis Silver-throated Tit.

Well-known splits recognised include:

• Remiz macronyx Black-headed Penduline-tit
• R. coronatus White-crowned Penduline-tit
• R. consobrinus Chinese Penduline-tit
• Aegithalos bonvaloti Black-browed Tit
• Sitta nagaensis Chestnut-vented Nuthatch
• S. cashmirensis Kashmir Nuthatch
• S. przewalskii Przewalski’s Nuthatch
• Certhia hodgsoni Hodgson’s Treecreeper
• C. americana American Treecreeper
• C. tianquanensis Sichuan Treecreeper
• C. manipurensis Manipur Treecreeper
• Oriolus kundoo Indian Golden Oriole
• Lanius meridionalis Southern Grey Shrike

Potential splits not recognised include Sitta (europaea) arctica, Lanius (isabellinus) phoenicuroides, L. (i.) arenarius, L. (meridionalis) pallidirostris.

Interesting possible splits mentioned include Leptopoecile (sophiae) stoliczkae, Certhia (brachydactyla) mauritanica.

Richard