Wallacean island thrush explained

The Wallacean island thrush (Turdus schlegelii), also known as the Sulawesi island thrush,^[1] is a species of passerine in the family Turdidae. It is found in Indonesia and Timor-Leste. It was formerly considered to be multiple subspecies of the island thrush, but was classified as a distinct species in 2024 by the IOC and Clements checklist based on morphological and phylogenic evidence.^{[2] [3]}

Taxonomy

The Wallacean island thrush was first described by ornithologist Philip Sclater in 1861 as Turdus schlegelii based on specimens collected from Timor. It's binomial name, T. scheleglii was in honour of fellow ornithologist Hermann Schlegel. It was later considered to be a subspecies of the island thrush. Following a 2023 phylogenic study of the island thrush complex, and with consideration given to morphological differences, the island thrush was split into 17 species in 2024, including the Wallacean island thrush.^[4]

There are currently four recognized subspecies:

• T. s. schlegelii Sclater, PL, 1861 - Known from Mount Mutis on the island of Timor
• T. s. hygroscopus Stresemann, 1931 - Found in the Latimojong Mountains on Sulawesi
• T. s. celebensis (Büttikofer, 1893) - Found in southwest Sulawesi
• T. s. sterlingi Mayr, 1944 - Found on Tatamailau in Timor-Leste

Notes and References

1. Web site: Sulawesi Island-Thrush . Avibase . 20 October 2024.
2. Web site: Proposed Splits/Lumps . IOC World Bird List v14.2 . 20 October 2024.
3. Web site: 2024 Taxonomy Update—COMING SOON . eBird . 20 October 2024.
4. Reeve . Andrew Hart . Gower . Graham . Pujolar . José Martín . Smith . Brian Tilston . Population genomics of the island thrush elucidates one of earth's great archipelagic radiations . Evolution Letters . January 2023 . 7 . 1 . 20 October 2024.