A taxonomic revision of the Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla (Shaw) 1790 with description of a new sub-species

Abstract

A new subspecies of the Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla is described from the Clarke Range, Queensland, on the basis of its bright yellow underparts, A. katherina-like calls and geographical isolation. All other mainland populations are assigned to the nominate subspecies. Three insular subspecies are recognized, two distinguished by bill length and one by plumage. An area of possible hybridization with the Inland Thornbill A. apicalis is identified.