Five-Way Hybridization of Varied Sittellas Daphoenositta chrysoptera (Aves : Neosittidae) in Central Queensland

Abstract

Five-way hybridization is documented in the varied sittella in central Queensland, involving all Australian forms: Daphoenositta chrysoptera leucoptera, D.c. striata, D.c. leucocephala, D.c. chrysoptera and D.c. pileata. For the first time, gene flow is demonstrated between striata and leucoptera, based upon breeding specimens from the region of Longreach and Barcaldine. At least 10 different morphological characters appear to segregate and recombine independently, including an extension of the wing bar into the secondaries which, described here for the first time, is present in the three 'orange-winged' forms but not in 'white-winged' leucoptera and striata. The evidence presented supports the view that all Australian sittellas are conspecific. Historical factors are invoked to explain divergence, hybridization and incomplete speciation in this complex.