Red-headed Parrotfinch (Erythrura cyaneovirens) [XC110461]
by Matthias Feuersenger from Upolu, Lake Lanoto'o, Western Samoa (call)
Red-headed Parrotfinch (Erythrura cyaneovirens) [XC110462]
by Matthias Feuersenger from Upolu, Lake Lanoto'o, Western Samoa (call)
Subspecies
Sometimes placed with Red-throated Parrotfinch (Erythrura psittacea) in a separate genus, Amblynura. Subspecies pealii often considered a separate species, and regia and serena often regarded as forming a further species, differing in extent of blue in plumage and in ecology. However, variation in amount of blue plumage nearly as great within an island group (Samoan group; Vanuatu) as between island groups (Samoa, Vanuatu and Fiji). Subspecies gaughrani described from a single adult and a series of young birds. Validity perhaps requires confirmation.
Proposed subspecies efatensis (described from Efaté, in southern Vanatu) considered a synonym of serena.
The following 5 subspecies are recognised:
regia (Peale, 1848) - Northern Vanuatu, including Banks Is. Considered by some authors to be a distinct species, Royal Parrotfinch (Erythrura regia).
serena (P. L. Sclater, 1881) - Efaté and Anatom (Aneitym), in southern Vanuatu. Considered by some authors to be a subspecies of Royal Parrotfinch (Erythrura regia).
pealii Hartlaub, 1852 - Fiji (Kadavu, Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni). Considered by some authors to be a distinct species, Fiji Parrotfinch (Erythrura pealii).
BirdLife International Species Factsheet