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On the taxonomic status of the Indian Spotted Eagle Aquila hastata
Author(s) -
Parry S. J.,
Clark W. S.,
Prakash V.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
ibis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.933
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1474-919X
pISSN - 0019-1019
DOI - 10.1046/j.1474-919x.2002.00109.x
Subject(s) - subspecies , osteology , plumage , allopatric speciation , eagle , indian subcontinent , zoology , biology , taxon , geography , ecology , demography , population , ethnology , history , sociology
We review the status of the two currently recognized subspecies of Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila p. pomarina (western Eurasia) and A. p. hastata (Indian subcontinent) on the basis of museum diagnosis and field observations. We present differences between these two allopatric taxa which demonstrate that they should be treated as distinct species. Specifically, we present evidence of differences in plumage (both for adults and juveniles), external morphology, osteology, clutch size and behaviour. Particular emphasis is placed on differences in gape size and general cranial structure.