However, the two subspecies that occupy adjacent Cuban islands- santamariae (Jardines del Rey Archipelago) and decolor (Isle of Youth)-also average much grayer than the mainland Cuban subspecies, merlini.
In general, bahamensis differs visibly from most “Cubans” in being much grayer overall, lacking the “Cuban’s” typically warm-brown upperparts and rusty tones. The proposed split may eventually gain widespread acceptance, but that will likely require further research and analysis, particularly in light of the considerable plumage variation within the three “Cuban Lizard-Cuckoo” subspecies, and the absence of clear vocal distinctions between the “Bahama” and “Cuban” forms. The Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive regards the Cuban and Bahaman forms of Great Lizard-Cuckoo as two species, separating bahamensis, the “Bahama Lizard-Cuckoo,” from the other three recognized subspecies ( merlini, santamariae, and decolor), the “Cuban Lizard-Cuckoo,” based on three cited differences in plumage. Frontiers of Taxonomy: Are We Splitting the Great Lizard-Cuckoo?
0 kommentar(er)
