The Trinidad and Tobago NatureLink » Taxonomy

Classification update: White-tailed Trogon

Administrator — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:43:56 +0000

The White-tailed Trogon (formerly Trogon viridis) has been split into two species by the South American Classification Committee (SACC) on the basis of genetic and vocal differences. Birds west of the Andes (including western Peru, western Ecuador, western and northern Colombia and Panama) are now classified as Trogon chionurus (but will retain the name White-tailed Trogon). All other birds in South America, including Trinidad and Tobago, are now classified as Green-backed Trogon (Trogon viridis).

Classification update: Blue-crowned Motmot

Administrator — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:42:24 +0000

The Blue-crowned Motmot (formerly Momotus momota) has been split into five species by the South American Classification Committee (SACC) on the basis of plumage variation. The Trinidad and Tobago form has been renamed the Trinidad Motmot (Momotus bahamensis). It is found only on Trinidad and Tobago and therefore becomes the islands’ second endemic bird species (the other being the Trinidad Piping-Guan (Pipile pipile)).

Classification update: Bare-eyed Thrush

Administrator — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:41:05 +0000

The familiar Bare-eyed Thrush (Turdus nudigenis) has been renamed the Spectacled Thrush by the South American Classification Committee (SACC). This was done to prevent confusion with an African thrush species (Turdus tephronotus) which also goes by the name Bare-eyed Thrush.