The species and distribution of the haemoproteids of the avian family Muscicapidae sensu latu (Passeriformes)

Abstract

The haemoproteids of seven subfamilies of the avian family Muscicapidae sensu latu (Passeriformes) have been reviewed. A total of 10 species are now recognized, of which four—Haemoproteus wenyoni de Mello et al., 1916, H. fallisi Bennett and Campbell, 1972, H. balmorali Peirce, 1984 and H. belopolskyi Valkjunas, 1989—were previously known as valid species. Six new species—Haemoproteus monarchus, H. nipponensis, H. pachycephalus, H. rhipiduris, H. sylvae and H. timalus—are described as new species herein. Two species, H. muscicapa and H. sylvia, are nomina nuda; H. himalayanus is declared a species incertae sedis. A key to the 10 valid species is presented, and it is suggested that two species, H. nipponensis and H. pachycephalus, may be the products of evolution in island endemic hosts.

Keywords :

• Avian Haematozoa
• Haemoproteus
• morphology
• systematics and distribution
• Muscicapidae