Submission No 455: Red-capped Flowerpecker Dicaeum geelvinkianum; Saibai Island, Torres Strait, QLD. 18th – 26th November 2004 (Unpublished). Submitted by: Rohan Clarke.

This submission concerns multiple sightings of Red-capped Flowerpecker from Saibai Island, Torres Strait, QLD between the 18th & 26th November 2004. At least four individuals were involved; three adult males and an adult female.

As with the previous case the photographic evidence leaves no doubt about the identification with all members voting in favour of acceptance.

This sighting continues to support the theory that this species may be resident on the island in small numbers. The 6^th confirmed record for Australia.

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)