Integrative avian taxonomy and the role of competition in the diversification of passerine birds

Abstract

It is well recognised that the avifauna of Asia are in major need of taxonomic reassessment. The Sulawesi region of Indonesia, renowned for its high levels of avian endemism, has been relatively overlooked by ornithological researchers. Combining genetic, phylogenetic and morphological analyses, I reassessed the taxonomic relationships of avian populations from peninsular South-east Sulawesi and the nearby Wakatobi Islands. These integrative taxonomic comparisons describe the flowerpeckers (Dicaeidae) of the Wakatobi Islands as a genetically and phenotypically distinct species.