The taxonomic position of the Crimson Finch and the Red-browed Finch.

Abstract

A study of spotted plumage patterns in the Estrildidae reveals a limited potential variation and the parallel evolution of similar patterns in different areas. The Crimson Finch, Red-browed Finch, Painted Finch, and Firetails all show plumage colorations and patterns similar to those of African Waxbills, but revealing varying degrees of likeness. It is suggested that these are the results of convergence arising from the parallel evolution of patterns in birds having a common ancestry. Examining the group of behavioural characters used to define some waxbill genera, it was found that the Crimson Finch resembled the atypical members of the waxbill genus Lagonosticta in some characters, and shared other characters with different genera. The Red-browed Finch shared most of the characters of the African genus Estrilda with only minor differences. It is suggested that, since behavioural characters are inherited in similar fashion to plumage characters, this similarity In behaviour could be due to convergence. Since the difference between the Crimson Finch and Red-brewed Finch is as great as that between different waxbill genera, it is suggested that they should be regarded as members of separate monotypic genera."