I've now read the paper - the divergence between gularis and laetior is
pretty recent (0.3-1.2 Ma), while White-throated Honeyeater (Melithreptus
albogularis) split earlier (2.4-5.2 Ma) and is quite distinctive genetically
(if I read rightly, it may represent two species, one eastern and one
northern too)
Article also proposes divergence within the M. affinis-M. lunatus species
group occurred around 2-4.6 Ma, leading to eastern and western taxa followed
by the divergence within the eastern group around 1.2-3.2 Ma leading to the
endemic Tasmanian species, M. affinis and eastern M. lunatus.
Adds that validirostris got isolated in Tasmania earlier.
Cheers
Cas
-----Original Message-----
From:
On Behalf Of Frank O"Connor
Sent: Monday, July 12, 2010 4:26 PM
To: ; birdswa email list
Subject: Taxonomy of Melithreptus Honeyeaters
I asked Ron Johnstone of the WA Museum about the proposed split of the
White-naped Honeyeater in the south west. His reply is below.
>Frank,
> This is of interest to us as we separated the western form out
>years ago treating it as a full species in our 2001 checklist and in
>the WA bird handbook. Our name is the Western White -naped Honeyeater
>Melithreptus chloropsis Gould, 1848. I notice no credit given to either
>of our publications.
>
>Regards
>Ron
_________________________________________________________________
Frank O'Connor Birding WA http://birdingwa.iinet.net.au
Phone : (08) 9386 5694 Email :
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