PHYLOGENY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY OF THE PTILORIS RIFLEBIRDS (AVES, PARADISAEIDAE)

We performed a phylogenetic and biogeographic study of the riflebird genus Ptiloris (Paradisaeidae). Our analysis, which includes sonograms documenting intertaxonomic variation in male advertisement vocalizations and a reassessment of key morphological characters, indicates that (1) the genus includes two distinct clades (P. victoriae/paradiseus and the P. magnificus complex); (2) within the P. magnificus complex, the eastern Papuan form may constitute a heretofore unrecognized sibling species; and (3) the biogeography of Ptiloris provides additional confirming evidence that the Torres Strait has been of minor importance as a biogeographic barrier for Australo-Papuan rainforest birds.