Olive Warbler (Peucedramus taeniatus) [XC177642]
by Micah Riegner from Mingus Mountain, Yavapai Co., AZ, United States (song)
Olive Warbler (Peucedramus taeniatus) [XC451132]
by Richard E. Webster from Mesa El Campanero, Y\u00e9cora, Sonora, Mexico (call, subsong?)
Subspecies
Species formerly known as Peucedramus olivaceus, but that name invalid, as preoccupied. Relationships uncertain and much disputed. Seems to be an ancient lineage with no close relatives, although has recently been tentatively linked with the accentors (Prunellidae). In the past, genus often placed in New World warbler family (Parulidae), in which considered close to Dendroica, and sometimes subsumed in latter. Other taxonomists considered it closer to Old World warblers (Sylviidae), on basis mainly of certain internal morphological traits. Recent genetic studies involving DNA-DNA hybridization indicate that placement in a family of its own (considered not particularly closely related to Parulidae) is probably the most appropriate treatment, pending further studies. Geographical variation predominantly clinal, individuals becoming smaller and brighter from north to south. Isolated population in north-western Coahuila (northern Mexico) presumed to belong with jaliscensis, but racial identity uncertain. Further study is required. Some uncertainty regarding correct type locality.
Proposed subspecies georgei, described from southern Mexico (R Molina, in southern Oaxaca), and aurantiacus, described from south-central Guatemala (Chilasco, in Baja Verapaz), are included within nominate.
The following 5 subspecies are recognised:
arizonae Miller, W & Griscom, 1925 - South-western USA (southern Arizona and south-western New Mexico) and north-western Mexico (north-eastern Sonora south to south-western Chihuahua).
jaliscensis Miller, W & Griscom, 1925 - Southern Chihuahua and central Coahuila south to Jalisco and Colima, also southern Nuevo León and western Tamaulipas south to central San Luis Potosí.
giraudi Zimmer, JT, 1948 - Central Mexico from Jalisco and Michoacán east to west-central Veracruz.
taeniatus (Du Bus De Gisignies, 1847) - South-central Mexico (Guerrero) south to Guatemala.
micrus Miller, W & Griscom, 1925 - Honduras, extreme northern El Salvador and northern Nicaragua.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet