Purple Swamphen

[Ian Hardy]

Does anyone know if the African Swamphen has been split from the above?

Cheers

Ian

[AndyB]

Hi Ian, as far as I know the African Bird Club list follows the traditional taxonomy of Howard & Moore and Clements which lumps all the forms into a single species. However, Roberts 7th split the African bird under the name African Purple Swamphen (P. madagascariensis). The IOC list also splits it under the name African Swamphen. I guess it depends on which list you follow...

[birdboybowley]

Hi Ian

Not too sure about the African Swamphen, but seeing as Grey-necked (P. policephalus) has been split, and the two in Australia have been split (into Western (P. bellus) and wait for it..Australian (P. melanotus)!)...probably a good bet

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[chris butterworth]

Hi Ian,
If you wait for national / area commitees to come to a decision about 'splits' you'll probably be in line for 100 candles on your birthday cake. I usually count distinct taxa until proved otherwise, but only on my personal list. Not too helpful I know but it does stop a lot of worry!

Chris

[butor2003]

That's nice, looks like two armchair ticks...

Mike