Split in the Isabelline Shrike complex

[Sandman]

Following the recommendation of OSME and various other references, the EBRC has decided to split the Isabelline Shrike complex into the following two species:


Daurian Shrike Lanius isabellinus
Daurian Shrike L. isabellinus isabellinus thought to be the ocurring subspecies.
Common migrant and winter visitor, October to April, scarce other months.
Chinese Shrike L. (isabellinus) tsaidamensis not reliably reported.


Turkestan Shrike Lanius phoenicuroides
Common migrant, March to early May and September to mid-November; scarce other months.

[drrezakhan]

Are these splits based on any taxonomic review supported by DNA analysis or we accept these simply because OSME said so? Best wishes, reza Khan

[Oscar]

Hi Reza

The EBRC generally follow OSME in issues like this for several reasons. I have outlined two of these below.

Firstly, they are rather better qualified than us to make decisions as to what constitutes a species; certainly they can (and do) spend much more time reviewing the published evidence. There is no way the EBRC itself can follow and evaluate the sometimes voluminous material published on such issues (for a wide range of taxa, not just shrikes as in this case). Hence, we have to take guidance from authorities who do.

Secondly, we believe, as a committee, that we need to rigorously follow one accepted list, and not make our own decisions. This is partly because we are not qualified to do so (see above) but also because, in general, most similar committees around the region are likely to be using the same checklist. This means that we are all being consistent and what is regarded as species in the UAE is the same as what in Oman (say). Following this list brings us into line with other important publications, for example the new Middle East Field guide Aspinall and Porter.

Hope this helps

Best wishes

OSCAR