WP update: Black Crake (Limnocorax flavirostra), Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica), Ashy-throated Parrotbill (Paradoxornis alphonsianus), Vinous-throated Parrotbill (Paradoxornis webbianus), Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus)
Black Crake (Limnocorax flavirostra)
There is an old specimen in the Funchal museum that was identified as this species (that’s why it is included in the list of species for Madeira). Nevertheless, the portuguese RC are reviewing all the records and specimens present in the Madeira museums and believe the bird was not correctly identified. There is a small article about this which can be downloaded
here.
Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica), Ashy-throated Parrotbill (Paradoxornis alphonsianus), Vinous-throated Parrotbill (Paradoxornis webbianus)
The Italians have recently reviewed their national list, see http://www.ciso-coi.org for details.
The review removes two 'Category C' species from the Italian (and hence) Western Palearctic lists. Japanese Quail is perhaps not a surprise, as it was generally accepted that this was added in error initially, but the removal of Ashy-throated Parrotbill may come as a shock to keen WP listers. Molecular analysis has apparently demonstrated that only Vinous-throated Parrotbill A. webbianus occurs in northern Italy and therefore only this species is retained in Category C.
Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus)
Netfugl has recieved information that the 2008 observation of Swallow-tailed Kite from the Azores has been accepted by the portuguese RC. This acceptance will be published in the next Anuário Ornitológico (January 2010). Photos of the bird can be seen
here.
The Netfugl WP list has been updated accordingly!
The Netfugl Team.
English version