Submission No 454: Red-capped Flowerpecker Dicaeum geelvinkianum; Boigu Island, Torres Strait, QLD. 15th – 17th November 2004 (Unpublished).  Submitted by: Rohan Clarke.

 

This submission relates to multiple sightings of Red-capped Flowerpecker from Boigu Island, Torres Strait, QLD between the 15th & 17th November 2004 and continues a run of records from the region. At least four individuals were involved; three adult males and an adult female.

 

The photographs solidify the identification with all members voting in favour of acceptance.  As with previous submissions subspecific identification was not possible but clearly involves one of the red-capped forms most likely albopuctatum.

 

This is the first record of Red-capped Flowerpecker for Boigu Island and the 5th for Australia. The first record was made on Saibai Island in July 1996 (BARC Case No. 273).

 

 

Verdict: Accepted 

 

 

References & Bibliography:

·       Beehler, B.M et al. 1986. Birds of New Guinea, Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey.

·       Cheke, R.A. Mann, C. and Allen, R. 2001. Sunbirds: a guide to sunbirds, flowerpeckers, spiderhunters and sugarbirds of the world, Yale University Press, London.

·       Coates, B.J.1990. The Birds of Papua New Guinea, Vol. 2, Passerines, Dove, Alderley, Queensland.

·       Palliser, T. 2002. ‘Rare Birds in 2001’. Wingspan, 12: (3) 18-21.

·       Salomonsen, F. 1960. ‘Notes on Flowerpeckers (Aves, Dicaeidae). 3. The Species Group Dicaeum concolor and the Superspecies Dicaeum erythrothorax’. American Museum Novitates No.2016: 1-36.

 

 

Tony Palliser

Chairman, Birds Australia Rarities Committee (BARC)