Weaver news
Chittenden H, Allan D, Weiersbye I. 2012. Roberts geographic variation of southern African birds. The John Voelcker Bird Book Fund, Cape Town
Plumage morphs, eg yellow breasted form of the Crimson-breasted Shrike or the different head colours of the Red-billed Quelea, are not included in this book. Subspecies that show size variation are not listed, unless a particular species also shows geographic plumage variation. The colour maps (courtesy of Guy Upfold) are great, showing the approximate distribution of the different subspecies, using colours to represent the sequence in which subspecies were described historically. Highly commendable is the fact that the source of the paintings is listed, usually a specimen number, sometimes a photo, in an appendix. Also included are the meaning of scientific names of the subspecies. The weavers included are, with plumage variation in:
The Southern Masked Weaver is listed with several subspecies (two illustrated), but this species probably shows phenotypic variation and thus should not be included by the authors' own criteria. Male Village Weavers of the nigriceps subspecies are sometimes found far out of range - see news item and follow the links in the news items to read preceding examples. Doubtless future editions will provide corrections and improved information, but this is a great book for birders and ornithologists. Get the book and start looking for the subspecies; try to take photos and submit to the ADU Virtual Museum Birdpix to help collect info on the distribution of plumage variation in our birds! Literature as featured in Weaver Watch news items |