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Systematic status of the Black‐collared Bulbul Neolestes torquatus
Author(s) -
DOWSETT ROBERT J.,
OLSON STORRS L.,
ROY MICHAEL S.,
DOWSETTLEMAIRE FRANÇOISE
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
ibis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.933
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1474-919X
pISSN - 0019-1019
DOI - 10.1111/j.1474-919x.1999.tb04259.x
Subject(s) - shrike , zoology , plumage , biology , ecology , habitat
The Afrotropical monotypic genus Neolestes has been treated variously as a bulbul (Pycnonotidae) or a ‘shrike’ (Malaconotidae, Laniidae or Prionopidae). Recent field observations and fresh laboratory material have enabled a multi‐disciplinary review incorporating biology, anatomy and DNA. The DNA analysis suggests that N. torquatus represents a deep branch of the pycnonotid clade. The plumage of Neolestes is unlike that of any bulbul, although the juvenile plumage is more bulbul‐like than shrike‐like. Evidence from the syrinx, skull, humerus and carpometatarsus eliminates a relationship between Neolestes and the shrikes and mainly points to one with the Pycnonotidae. Neolestes could be the primitive sister‐group of the Pycnonotidae, or a member of some larger group of which the bulbuls are but one manifestation. The vocalizations are not shrike‐like but are reminiscent of those of the African species of Pycnonotus ; other aspects of its behaviour point in this direction. We believe there is no evidence for considering Neolestes to be a ‘shrike’, and recommend treating it as a primitive member of the Pycnonotidae, although as incertae sedis.