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I have been looking at the taxonomy of Vanellus
miles.
Miles and novaehollandiae were originally treated
as distinct species. At a time of general lumping, the assumed existence
of a broad zone of interbreeding was assumed to justify lumping them as
subspecies of a single species.
It appears the the zone of interbreeding is local
and narrow. Cf Hanzab 2 p.956,,although it suggests that more study is
required. Modern thinking would treat such a case as evidence that we are
dealing with two species.
Coates and Bishop (1997) A guide to the birds of
Wallacea,p.286, have obviously reached a similar conclusion.
Any thoughts?
John
John Penhallurick
Phone BH (61 2) 6201 2346 AH
(61 2) 6258 5428
FAX (61 2) 6258 0426 Mobile 0408 585 428
Snail Mail:
Division of Communication & Education, University of Canberra,Canberra City,
A.C.T.2601, Australia
or Private: P.O.Box 3469, B.M.D.C.,
BELCONNEN,
A.C.T. 2617, Australia
"I'd rather be birding"
"Vivat, crescat, floreat
Ornithologia" Hartert,Vög.pal.Fauna,p.2016
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