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Old World Warblers (Sylviidae)

Papuan Grassbird (Megalurus macrurus) - HBW 11, p. 578

French: Mégalure papoue German: Papuaschilfsteiger Spanish: Yerbera Papúa

Taxonomy: Sphenoeacus macrurus Salvadori, 1876, Naiabui, Hall Sound, New Guinea.
Forms a superspecies with M. timoriensis; traditionally treated as conspecific, but no apparent interbreeding where the two meet in SC New Guinea. The four Philippine races of M. timoriensis may, in fact, be closer to present species, or they may represent a separate species in their own right. Moreover, some authorities have suggested that the large alpine form alpinus of present species could also be treated as a separate species, distinct from others. Extensive study and subsequent review of the superspecies complex required. Birds from alpine grasslands of Mt Hagen and.. View all taxonomy...

Taxonomy: Sphenoeacus macrurus Salvadori, 1876, Naiabui, Hall Sound, New Guinea.
Forms a superspecies with M. timoriensis; traditionally treated as conspecific, but no apparent interbreeding where the two meet in SC New Guinea. The four Philippine races of M. timoriensis may, in fact, be closer to present species, or they may represent a separate species in their own right. Moreover, some authorities have suggested that the large alpine form alpinus of present species could also be treated as a separate species, distinct from others. Extensive study and subsequent review of the superspecies complex required. Birds from alpine grasslands of Mt Hagen and Mt Wilhelm (in Central Highlands) described as race montanus, allegedly browner than alpinus but considered to fall within range of variation of latter. Populations in C ranges of Snow Mts of uncertain racial affinity, tentatively included in nominate; those from Tolokiwa (W of New Britain) presumed to belong with interscapularis. Seven subspecies currently recognized.

Subspecies and Distribution:

  • stresemanni E. J. O. Hartert, 1930 - Arfak Mts, in NW New Guinea.
  • mayri E. J. O. Hartert, 1930 - lowlands of N New Guinea (from Humboldt Bay E to Astrolabe Bay).
  • harterti Mayr, 1931 - Huon Peninsula, in NE New Guinea.

     See all 7 subspecies
  • stresemanni E. J. O. Hartert, 1930 - Arfak Mts, in NW New Guinea.
  • mayri E. J. O. Hartert, 1930 - lowlands of N New Guinea (from Humboldt Bay E to Astrolabe Bay).
  • harterti Mayr, 1931 - Huon Peninsula, in NE New Guinea.
  • wahgiensis Mayr & Gilliard, 1951 - E New Guinea, from Wahgi Valley E to Okapa area and S in Central Highlands to Karimui.
  • alpinus Mayr & Rand, 1935 - alpine grasslands in WC & E New Guinea, including Snow Mts, Telefomin area, Central Highlands (Mt Giluwe, Mt Hagen and Mt Wilhelm) and Wharton Range.
  • macrurus (Salvadori, 1876) - C ranges of Snow Mts, Southern Highlands Province (L Kutubu and near Mendi) and SE New Guinea (E from Herzog Mts in N and from Hall Sound in S).
  • interscapularis P. L. Sclater, 1880 - Bismarck Archipelago (New Hanover, New Ireland and New Britain, also Tolokiwa I).
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