Arafura shrikethrush explained

The Arafura shrikethrush (Colluricincla megarhyncha) is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae.

Taxonomy and systematics

This species was formerly considered a conspecific member of the little shrikethrush complex. Genetic investigations of New Guinea populations of the little shrikethrush indicated high levels of genetic divergence, suggesting it comprised more than one species.^[1]

Subspecies

Currently, three subspecies are recognized:^[2]

• C. m. megarhyncha (Quoy & Gaimard, 1832) ― found on Salawati and Misool (off northwestern New Guinea), Aru Islands (off southwestern New Guinea) and New Guinea
• C. m. parvula Gould, 1845 ― originally described as a separate species. Found in north-eastern Western Australia and northern Northern Territory (Australia)
• C. m. aruensis (Gray, GR, 1858) ― Aru Islands, Trans-Fly region of south New Guinea

Distribution and habitat

It is found in New Guinea and Australia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.

Behaviour and ecology

During a study of toxicity in birds, two specimens of this species were tested. One of these specimens contained traces of batrachotoxins (BTXs) similar to those found in the secretions of Central and South American poison dart frogs.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Deiner, Kristy . Lemmon, Alan R. . Mack, Andrew L. . Fleischer, Robert C. . Dumbacher, John P. . 2011 . A Passerine Bird's Evolution Corroborates the Geologic History of the Island of New Guinea. PLOS ONE . 6. 5. e19479. 10.1371/journal.pone.0019479 . 21573115 . 3089620 . 2011PLoSO...619479D . free .
2. IOC World Bird List 6.3. IOC World Bird List Datasets. 10.14344/ioc.ml.6.3. free.
3. 10.1073/pnas.97.24.12948 . Avian chemical defense: Toxic birds not of a feather . 2000 . Weldon . Paul J. . Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences . 97 . 24 . 12948–12949 . 11087849 . 34071 . 2000PNAS...9712948W . free .