Variable shrikethrush explained

The variable shrikethrush (Colluricincla fortis) 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 indicate high levels of genetic divergence, suggesting it comprised more than one species.^[1]

Subspecies

Currently, three subspecies are recognized:^[2]

• C. f. despecta - (Rothschild & Hartert, 1903): Found on southern coast of south-eastern New Guinea
• C. f. fortis - (Gadow, 1883): Originally described as a separate species in the genus Pachycephala. Found on D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago (off southeastern New Guinea)
• C. f. trobriandi - (Hartert, 1896): Found on Trobriand Islands

Distribution and habitat

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

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.