This page has been created to update, correct and improve information in the recently published The Birds of Turkey (Kirwan et al. 2008, Christopher Helm, London). Quite some new information has already been assembled for online "publication", some of it even submitted whilst the book was in the final throes of the production process, but just too late to be included therein. Those data will be made available here, and all significant new data will obviously also be included in the next Turkey Bird Report, to be published in Sandgrouse. References cited are generally those in the book, but where new references are given, fuller details are presented. New information or corrections can be sent to me at GMKirwan@aol.com
NEW DATA
BEAN GOOSE Anser fabalis (pp. 58–59)
Published too late to be mentioned in Kirwan et al. (2008), a recent molecular study employed mtDNA to reconstruct a phylogeny of the Pink-footed A. brachyrhynchus / Bean Goose complex (Ruokonen et al. 2008, Mol. Phyl. & Evol. 48: 554–562). The authors recovered three well-supported clades as follows: Pink-footed Goose, Middendorf’s Bean Goose A. middendorffii and the other Bean Geese taxa (fabalis, rossicus and serrirostris), which might henceforth be known as Tundra Bean Goose. Taxon A. f. johanseni, which breeds in western Siberia, was not sampled by this study.
Five previously unpublished records, all at Acarlar Gölü (Marmara) in 2001 to 2003, were mentioned by Uzun et al. (2008, Ekoloji 66: 1–14); it is unclear what previous experience, if any, the authors had with this rare species in Turkey.
RED-BREASTED GOOSE Branta ruficollis (pp. 63–64)
Three at Acarlar Gölü (Marmara) on 27 January 2002 were mentioned by Uzun et al. (2008, Ekoloji 66: 1–14); on the same day 57 were at Nallihan (Inner Anatolia) (Kirwan et al. 2008).
GREATER SCAUP Aythya marila (pp. 78–79)
A recently published paper by Karakas (2008, Podoces 3: 108–111) purports to review the species’ status in Turkey, with special reference to the situation in southeast Anatolia. His review usefully draws attention to several previously unpublished reports, but misses from his list of all known records several others that are mentioned in widely available literature, despite the relevant sources having apparently been consulted. He also partially misreads, and thus miscites, the text in Kirwan et al. (2008), presumably due to a language problem. Further records were published in Sandgrouse (31: 219): five at Kizilirmak Delta (Black Sea Coastlands) on 15 March 2009, and two at Filyos, Zonguldak (Black Sea Coastlands) on 1 February 2009.
COMMON EIDER Somateria mollissima (p. 79)
The 13th (and by far the latest spring) record for Turkey involved two (sex unstated) at the regular locality of Riva, Istanbul (Marmara) on 30 May 2009 (Sandgrouse 31: 219).
LONG-TAILED DUCK Clangula hyemalis (p. 80)
The 13th record for Turkey involved one (sex unstated) at Igneada (Thrace) on 10 December 2008 (per Emin Yogurtcuoglu), from which site there was also a record in January 2008 (cf. Kirwan et al. 2008). The 14th record involved one (sex unstated) at Enez, Edirne (Thrace) on 28 March 2009 (Sandgrouse 31: 219).
COMMON SCOTER Melanitta nigra (pp. 80–81)
An additional record is of a single bird at Filyos, Zonguldak (Black Sea Coastlands) on 18 January 2009 (Sandgrouse 31: 219).
RED-THROATED LOON Gavia stellata (pp. 86–87)
Just one inland record was mentioned and mapped in Kirwan et al. (2008), but Ido Tsurim, Barak Granit & Rami Mizrachi (in litt. September 2008; of Israel) observed and photographed a single bird, which showed no traces of summer plumage, at Todurge Gölü, east of Sivas (Inner Anatolia), on 16 July 2003. Some additional winter records along the Black Sea coast were listed in Sandgrouse 31: 220.
HORNED (SLAVONIAN) GREBE Podiceps auritus (p. 91)
Six previously unpublished records, all at Acarlar Gölü (Marmara) in 2001 to 2003, were mentioned by Uzun et al. (2008, Ekoloji 66: 1–14); it is unclear what previous experience, if any, the authors had with this rare species in Turkey. There is also a late-published claim of ten together (an unprecedented aggregation in Turkey) at Bafa Gölü (Aegean) on 27 January 2007 (Sandgrouse 31: 100).
GREAT WHITE EGRET Casmerodius albus (pp. 109–110)
Christidis & Boles (2008, Systematics and taxonomy of Australian birds) suggested that two species should be recognised, Western Great Egret C. albus and Eastern Great Egret C. modestus.
BLACK STORK Ciconia nigra (pp. 112–113)
Record numbers passed through the Bosphorus (Marmara) in autumn 2008, when 16,647 were counted between 22 September and 10 October (Milvus Group data unpubl.), more than doubling the previous record season count, in autumn 1973 (also at the Bosphorus), anywhere in Turkey.
LESSER FLAMINGO Phoenicopterus minor (pp. 120–121)
The second Turkish record involved one claimed at the Gediz Delta, Izmir (Aegean) on 30 January 2009 (Sandgrouse 31: 220); we have not seen details. The third record for Turkey involved an adult (perhaps a male) photographed at Kulu Gölü (Inner Anatolia) on 3 June 2009 (B. Kabor). Thanks to Richard Bonser for sending me the details of this record. A photograph is viewable at http://www.surfbirds.com/cgi-bin/gallery/display.cgi?gallery=gallery11&start=13.
BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE Elanus caeruleus (pp. 122–123)
Two additional records were ‘overlooked’ by Kirwan et al. (2008): two at Yamansiz, Antalya (Mediterranean) on 12 April 1998 (Erdogan et al. 2000, Ekoloji Cilt 10(43): 33–39) and one 15 km east of Diyarbakir (Southeast Anatolia) on 7 April 2004 (Karakas 2005, Acrocephalus 26(126): 162). Two further sightings are available from 2009: one 40 km from Diyarbakir on 18 April (R. Karakas) and one between Silvan and Bismil (Southeast Anatolia) on 13 May (R. Mungan). A record previously mentioned by Kirwan et al. (2003, 2008), at Diyarbakir on 6 May 1999 was incorrectly dated; the bird was apparently seen on 28 March 1998 (R. Karakas).
EURASIAN GRIFFON VULTURE Gyps fulvus (pp. 128–129)
At the Bosphorus (Marmara) in autumn 2008, 57 were counted between 22 September and 10 October (Milvus Group data unpubl.). This is the largest total for some years on migration at this watchpoint.
SHORT-TOED SNAKE EAGLE Circaetus gallicus (pp. 131–132)
Record numbers passed through the Bosphorus (Marmara) in autumn 2008, when 4,562 were counted between 22 September and 10 October (Milvus Group data unpubl.), whilst two that passed the same area on 24 November 2008 (Sandgrouse 31: 100) were remarkably late. Some 1,193 individuals moved through the Cukurova region (Mediterranean) between 26 and 28 September 2007 (E. Opperman et al.), a record number for this region of the country.
NORTHERN GOSHAWK Accipiter gentilis (pp. 135–136)
Richard Klim (of Somerset, UK) has pointed out the subspecies marginatus was considered a synonym of nominate gentilis by Ferguson-Lees & Christie (2001). We have not specifically examined this issue, but the comment in the latter work that marginatus represents merely the ‘extreme’ in a cline does not necessarily invalidate it under the terms of reference employed in Kirwan et al. (2008), wherein we stated that we do not recognise ‘minor step-like variation within long clines, or where such taxa almost certainly hybridise’ (p. 43). We do consider it worthwhile to recognise very distinctive taxa, such as Common Linnet Carduelis cannabina bella, even when these may reflect clinal variation to a greater or lesser extent. Dickinson (2003) upheld A. g. marginatus.
EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus (pp. 136–137)
Record return passage was registered at the Bosphorus (Marmara) in autumn 2008, when 1,583 were counted between 22 September and 10 October (Milvus Group data unpubl.). Given that passage typically continues well into October in this species (see Kirwan et al. 2008), the true total passing was likely to have been considerably higher.
LESSER SPOTTED EAGLE Aquila pomarina (pp. 141–142)
Record numbers passed through the Bosphorus (Marmara) in autumn 2008, when 59,368 were counted between 22 September and 10 October (Milvus Group data unpubl.). This is the largest-ever single-season total at any of the three main raptor watchpoints in Turkey, as well being the highest-ever count in the Middle East outside of Israel (Shirihai et al. 2000). Autumn 2008 also witnessed some rather late passage through the country, with a single at Kizilirmak Delta (Black Sea Coastlands) on 9 November (Sandgrouse 31: 100). In addition, some 34,670 individuals moved through the Cukurova region (Mediterranean) between 26 and 28 September 2007 (E. Opperman et al.), a record number for this region of the country.
SPOTTED CRAKE Porzana porzana (pp. 159–160)
The second-latest published record involves one at Milheyha, Antakya (Mediterranean) on 22 November 2008 (Sandgrouse 31: 100).
LITTLE CRAKE Porzana porzana (pp. 160–161)
The latest-ever published record involves one at Kizilirmak Delta (Black Sea Coastlands) on 14 November 2008 (Sandgrouse 31: 100). Passage usually has terminated by mid October (Kirwan et al. 2008).
COMMON CRANE Grus grus (pp. 166–167)
A new subspecies, archibaldi Ilyashenko, 2008, was described too late to be mentioned in Kirwan et al. (2008), but is presumably applicable to birds in north-eastern Turkey. We have not endeavoured to assess the validity of this new subspecies.
DEMOISELLE CRANE Grus virgo (pp. 169–170)
A flock of 41 migrating over Ankara (Inner Anatolia) on 21 March 2009 is the largest-ever flock seen on passage in Turkey (Kirwan et al. 2008).
CREAM-COLOURED COURSER Cursorius cursor (pp. 178–179)
A remarkable concentration of 40+ birds was present near Urfa (Southeast Anatolia) on 30 June 2008 (Sandgrouse 31: 100), and there was a late (but not exceptionally so) observation of six at Ceylanpinar on 12 October 2007 (Biricik 2009, Unexpectedly large number of Sociable Lapwings Vanellus gregarius on autumn migration in Turkey and some remarks on the stopover site, Sandgrouse 31: 15–17). Subsequently, there was an unprecedented observation of at least 128 Cream-coloured Coursers along a 10-km stretch of the road between Ceylanpinar and Akçakale (Southeast Anatolia) on 6 August 2009 (T. Emri & R. Vanyi).
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE Glareola nordmanni (pp. 180–181)
Two "breeding" pairs were claimed in a shallow river valley 2 km southwest of Horasan (East Anatolia) on 3 June 2009 (L. G. R. Evans in litt. 2009), visible from the obvious road bridge that crosses the valley, and c.130 m apart on flat, shingle islands. This is the first claim of breeding in Turkey since the late 1980s. More care is needed in documenting claims of G. nordmanni in Turkey during the summer, especially as many observers appear unaware that Collared Pratincole G. pratincola also breeds in this region of Turkey, a fact not widely appreciated in the literature prior to the publication of Kirwan et al. (2008).
EURASIAN DOTTEREL Charadrius morinellus (pp. 186–188)
Sixteen were present at the comparatively regular stopover locality of Kulu Gölü (Inner Anatolia) on 12 October 2008 (Sandgrouse 31: 100). There are seven other records from this locality within the last decade or so (Kirwan et al. 2008). In contrast, six at Riva, Istanbul (Marmara) on 25 March 2009 (Sandgrouse 31: 220) is one of the very few records from this region, and the first from there since 1975.
SOCIABLE LAPWING Vanellus gregarius (pp. 192–193)
A significant new record involves a flock of 105 at Bulanik (East Anatolia) on 12 October 2008. Furthermore, a flock of 34 was seen at Sanliurfa (Southeast Anatolia) on 7 March 2009 (Sandgrouse 31: 220). In addition, more information has been published concerning the large numbers seen in the south-east of the country in October 2007 by Biricik (2009, Unexpectedly large number of Sociable Lapwings Vanellus gregarius on autumn migration in Turkey and some remarks on the stopover site, Sandgrouse 31: 15–17), whilst Biricik et al. (2008, Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarius) 2008 field report, Doga Dernegi, Ankara) have reported on March 2008 surveys of the same region for the species. The latter also includes a useful appendix detailing all known observations of this globally threatened species in Turkey since 2003.
PECTORAL SANDPIPER Calidris melanotos (p. 198)
Just one previous record in Turkey, in May 2005 (Kirwan et al. 2008), but a remarkable three individuals were reported in autumn 2008, as follows. Singles were at Kozanli Gölü, north of Konya (Inner Anatolia) on 20 September, and at Kulu Gölü (Inner Anatolia) on 4 October (Geoff Welch), which site also hosted the first record for Turkey, followed by an incredible three together at Yumurtalik, Cukurova Deltas (Mediterranean) on 6 October. See Sandgrouse 31: 100 and also visit http://www.trakus.org/kods_bird/uye/?fsx=2fsdl15@d&idx=10170
PALLAS’S (GREAT BLACK-HEADED) GULL Larus ichthyaetus (pp. 217–218)
This species, along with Relict Gull L. relictus (which has only doubtfully occurred in Turkey), Mediterranean Gull L. melanocephalus, Audouin’s Gull L. audouinii, Sooty Gull L. hemprichii (unknown in Turkey) and White-eyed Gull L. leucophthalmus, might be better placed in a separate genus, Ichthyaetus (Pons et al., 2005, Mol. Phyl. & Evol. 37: 686–699). Subsequently, Panov (2009, Brit. Birds 102: 72–83) has suggested that Pallas’s and Relict Gulls share ethological characters that also separate them from other species traditionally included in Larus, but noted the lack of such comparative data for the other taxa mentioned above. Given that phylogenetic relationships amongst these ‘black-headed gulls’ lack robust support, we favour retaining all of these species within Larus for now.
PALLID (STRIATED) SCOPS OWL Otus brucei (pp. 249–250)
Kirwan et al. (2008) reported on the lack of published records in Turkey between November and March. One was observed in the tea garden at Birecik (Southeast Anatolia) on 1 November 2009 (J. L. Copete et al.).
BROWN FISH OWL Bubo zeylonensis (pp. 252–253)
The species was seen again in summer 2009, confirming its continued existence in the south-coast region near Antalya (Mediterranean), when Arnoud B. van den Berg (in litt. July 2009) and Cecilia Bosman saw a bird that could only be this species, on 20 June 2009, and obtained independent confirmation of the presence of birds in the area conforming to the description of Brown Fish Owl from local people. Following this, Soner Berkir et al. returned to the same spot on 3–5 July 2009 and photographed a Brown Fish Owl in a tree at night, and there have been other records since then in the same area by the same team of observers, but probably involving up to six different birds and at least one breeding pair (for more information and a series of excellent photographs of adults and a juvenile, see Dutch Birding 31: 268–270). Subsequently, in late October / early November 2009, J. L. Copete et al. (in litt. 2009) interviewed fish farmers in the same region, and around Adana (also Mediterranean), and found that these local people are familiar with birds from winter, when the owls apparently hunt around the farms. These are the first records in Turkey since October 2004, but come from a different locality, albeit it in the same general region. Follow-up surveys in the coming months are planned.
LITTLE OWL Athene noctua (pp. 253–254)
Kirwan et al. (2008) discussed the possibility, first mooted by König et al. (1999) and subsequently reiterated by König & Weick (2008, Owls of the world, second edn.), that the Middle Eastern race lilith, which ranges north to at least south-east Turkey, might be recognised specifically. Based on a new genetic study by Wink (2008, pp. 39–44 in Génot et al., The Little Owl: conservation, ecology and behaviour of Athene noctua), and König & Weick (op. cit.), the CSNA and Dutch Birding have elected to recognise at species level all of those forms of Little Owl from southern Romania and North Africa to Saudi Arabia and south-west Siberia (namely glaux, saharae, indigena and lilith). Of these, A. (n.) glaux has priority as the new species’ name, which makes the Dutch Birding decision to afford the bird the name Lilith’s Owl slightly inappropriate. However, it is not at all clear from Wink’s study whether, if following purely genetic arguments for affording taxa specific status, in fact more than two species of Little Owls should be recognised. Kirwan et al. (2008) already discussed some reasons why König & Weick’s proposal to split lilith alone should be treated cautiously.
WHITE-WINGED LARK Melanocorypha leucoptera (p. 283)
At least ten previously unpublished records, all at Acarlar Gölü (Marmara) in various months between 2001 and 2003, some of them in the summer months were mentioned by Uzun et al. (2008, Ekoloji 66: 1–14). Such uncritical publication of records of extreme rarities, in this case a species with no documented occurrence since the early 20th century, only brings discredit on the authors (and editors) concerned. Furthermore, the extreme unlikelihood of such a series of records merely casts great doubt upon all of the same observers’ other observations of rarities.
BLACK LARK Melanocorypha yeltoniensis (pp. 283–284)
Additional to those few records, most of them undocumented, mentioned in Kirwan et al. (2008), Baz Harding (in litt. 18 June 2008; of Norwich, UK) observed a single individual in the dunes east of Side, between Antalya and Alanya (Mediterranean), on 23 May 2008. Further details of this record are awaited with interest.
SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia (pp. 291–292)
In the discussion of Subspecies, it was an oversight not to have discussed Meinertzhagen’s (1935) claim that he had found the form R. r. diluta, which is increasingly recognised specifically (cf. Loskot, V. & Dickinson, E. C. 2001. Systematic notes on Asian birds. 15. Zool. Verhand. 335), breeding in May at the Lake of Antioch (= the now-drained Amik Gölü) (Mediterranean), whilst nominate riparia were still on passage at the same site. Meinertzhagen (op. cit.) mentioned taking two specimens of each form. Together with A. Grieve, I examined these four specimens (held at The Natural History Museum, Tring) recently; all are, unsurprisingly, clearly attributable to R. r. riparia, and any notion that R. r. diluta has occurred in Turkey to date can be discounted. Grieve and I are currently evaluating other specimen-based claims of diluta in the Middle East and North Africa published by Meinertzhagen (e.g. in Nicoll’s Birds of Egypt), some of which have persisted (as ‘hand-me-downs’) into the modern literature (e.g. Tyler, S. J. 2004, Family Hirundinidae (swallows and martins), in del Hoyo et al. (eds.) Handbook of the Birds of the World, vol. 9. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona).
RICHARD’S PIPIT Anthus richardi (pp. 297–298)
Considered to be a regular but perhaps very scarce migrant through Turkey (Kirwan et al. 2008). At least five have been trapped, and many others apparently seen, at a regularly operated ringing site at Titreyengöl, south of Manavgat, on Turkey’s south coast (Mediterranean), since 2002 (Werner Prünte, Reinhard Vohwinkel, Hakan Karaardic and Ali Erdogan). A paper is apparently preparation on migration through this region. During late autumn 2008, the species was also regular at Samandag, near Antakya (Mediterranean), with up to five individuals present per day during the period 22 November to 11 December (Ali Atahan; cf. Sandgrouse 31: 100; for further details, see http://www.subasikus.org/ndrtr.htm).
BLYTH’S PIPIT Anthus godlewskii
Species not previously reported in Turkey (Kirwan et al. 2008). Remarkably there were apparently two records in autumn 2006, both of which have only recently come to light. I have seen full details of one that was trapped and photographed at a regularly operated ringing site at Titreyengöl, south of Manavgat, on Turkey's south coast (Mediterranean), on 19 September 2006 (Werner Prünte, Reinhard Vohwinkel, Hakan Karaardic and Ali Erdogan). A paper describing this occurrence has been submitted to Zoology in the Middle East. Furthermore, Emin Yogurtcuoglu (in litt. to WestPalBirds internet discussion group) reports that another Blyth’s Pipit was trapped at Dicle ringing station, near Diyarbakir (Southeast Anatolia), on an unknown date also in autumn 2006. Details are awaited.
OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT Anthus hodgsoni (pp. 299–300)
One previous record in Turkey, in spring 1992 (Kirwan et al. 2008). Emin Yogurtcuoglu (in litt. to WestPalBirds internet discussion group) reports that a single was trapped at Dicle ringing station, near Diyarbakir (Southeast Anatolia), on an unknown date also in autumn 2006. Details are awaited.
BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT Anthus rubescens japonicus
No previous records in Turkey (Kirwan et al. 2008). The first country record involved one (photographed) that was apparently present for at least three weeks at Samandag, near Antakya (Mediterranean), between 22 November and 11 December 2008, although only seen twice during that period (Atahan & Atahan, 2009, First record of Buff-bellied Pipit Anthus (rubescens) japonicus for Turkey, Sandgrouse 31: 138–139; for other details, see http://www.trakus.org/kods_bird/uye/?fsx=2fsdl22@d&sxc=1&id=408#). The species has become a reasonably regular winter visitor to southern Israel in the most recent decades, making occurrence in Turkey unsurprising.
BOHEMIAN WAXWING Bombycilla garrulus (pp. 308–309)
The 12th and 13th modern-day records for Turkey involved one at Çaycuma, Zonguldak (Black Sea Coastlands) on 8 January 2009, and three at Asarcik, Samsun (Black Sea Coastlands on 3 March 2009 (photographed; Sandgrouse 31: 220).
RUFOUS-TAILED SCRUB ROBIN Ceroctrichas galactotes (pp. 314–315)
In summer 2008, Geoff & Hilary Welch found this species apparently breeding in the Kaçkar Mountains, in Prickly Juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus) and Christ’s Thorn (Paliurus spina-christi) scrub along the Çoruh near Bag Tepe / Sariçay, southwest of Yusufeli (Black Sea Coastlands), a notable northeastwards extension to the breeding range in Turkey.
COMMON REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus (pp. 321–322)
A recently published paper (Small, 2009, Brit. Birds 102: 84–97) provides interesting discussion of the separation of nominate race birds from those of the more easterly breeding taxon samamisicus. Small found no evidence of intergradation between the two forms in Turkey and surrounding countries, contra BWP, Svensson (1992) and Kirwan et al. (2008), and also uncovered data to suggest that the two taxa possess different songs and calls. The lack of intergradation requires reinvestigation on the basis of Small’s paper, but it seems remarkable that he can be so resolute on this point and when defining the breeding range of samamisicus in Turkey. Small (op. cit.) examined specimens in a single museum that is generally rather weak in material (of this species) that could be considered to definitely pertain to breeders from Turkey (GMK pers. obs.), unlike all the other commentators mentioned above, who visited many other institutions. It bears mentioning that most of our knowledge concerning where this species breeds in Turkey is based on sight records alone. Small (op. cit.), unsurprisingly, appears to have a confused notion of the breeding range of samamisicus in Turkey, although he seems unaware of the contradictory statements in his paper. On p. 94 he states that samamisicus ranges west as a breeder to ‘Bolu [in the north] and the Middle Taurus Mountains [in the south]’, but on p. 95 Small (op. cit.) mentions the ‘isolated samamisicus population inhabiting eastern Turkey … while breeding birds adjacent to this region are undoubtedly phoenicurus’. As Bolu and the central Taurus are both well within the western third of Turkey, one wonders quite where western Turkey begins under Small’s geographic division of the country. Furthermore, it is not apparent from Small’s paper whether he is even cognisant of the breeding populations that lie further west in Turkey (mapped in Kirwan et al. 2008), which would also be attributable to samamisicus according to Roselaar (1995). But, in any case, these points are to some extent moot because very few of the breeding areas marked in Turkey on the map in Kirwan et al. (2008) are documented by specimens of known breeders that permit definitive range limits of the different taxa to be drawn, certainly from an examination of specimens in one museum. Other commentators had already grappled with this problem.
Finally, Small (op. cit.) recapitulates the findings of a paper by Ertan (2006, Acta Zool. Sinica 52 (suppl.): 310–313, which we had not seen at the time of publication of Birds of Turkey). Ertan (op. cit.) found evidence for a 2.3% divergence in mtDNA between eastern Turkey samamisicus and European phoenicurus, which was at the lowest end of the range of divergence between currently acknowledged races of Black Redstart P. ochruros, and well below the range of divergence (up to 11.3%) between currently accepted species of Phoenicurus that were sampled. Small (op. cit.) contrasts the samamisicus datum with those data from some species of Phylloscopus warblers (divergent by only marginally greater levels) and South American Sporophila (divergent by considerably less) in the mistaken belief that such data are truly comparable. Not only does he seem unaware of the fact the molecular clock ‘ticks’ dramatically differently between different groups of birds, but he also fails to inform the reader whether these other studies were also informed by mtDNA (which they were), rather than nuclear genes.
SIBERIAN THRUSH Zoothera sibirica (p. 336)
A recent paper by Voelker & Outlaw (2008, J. Evol. Biol. 21: 1779–1788) has recommended that this species be removed to the genus Geokichla (cf. Dutch Birding 31: 36).
GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella naevia (pp. 345–346)
Additional records in spring 2008, all from Bafa Gölü (Aegean) are as follows: heard on 19 and 22 March, and on 23 March (per John Pels).
MARSH WARBLER Acrocephalus palustris (pp. 351–352)
A. palustris is generally considered to be monotypic, which point was not made clear in Kirwan et al. (2008), but in a footnote Dickinson (2003) points out the presence of a second form, for which two names are apparently available. Examination of the types is required to determine their validity and which should possess precedence.
ICTERINE WARBLER Hippolais icterina (pp. 359–360)
Another very early spring record is from Bafa Gölü (Aegean), on 21 March 2008 (per John Pels).
SARDINIAN WARBLER Sylvia melanocephala (pp. 368–369)
In summer 2008, Geoff & Hilary Welch found this species apparently breeding in the Kaçkar Mountains, in Prickly Juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus) and Christ’s Thorn (Paliurus spina-christi) scrub along the Çoruh near Bag Tepe / Sariçay, southwest of Yusufeli (Black Sea Coastlands), a very notable eastwards extension to the breeding range in Turkey.
GREENISH WARBLER Phylloscopus trochiloides (p. 372)
The potential sixth record in Turkey involved one reported from Aras, Kars province (Black Sea Coastlands) on 25 September 2008 (Sandgrouse 31: 100). Further details are awaited with interest, as to date no claims of this taxon in Turkey have been unequivocally documented.
GREEN WARBLER Phylloscopus nitidus (pp. 372–374)
Based on a recommendation from its Taxonomic Subcommittee, the British Ornithologists’ Union has recently decided to resurrect species status for nitidus (cf. Brit. Birds 102: 104), in line with its treatment in Kirwan et al. (2008).
YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER Phylloscopus inornatus (p. 375)
Five previous dated records in Turkey listed in Kirwan et al. (2008), with another trapped in autumn 2003 in western Turkey, for which full details are still unsubmitted. The sixth record therefore involved one, presumably trapped and ringed, at Cernek ringing station, Kizilirmak Delta (Black Sea Coastlands) on 17 October 2008 (see Sandgrouse 31: 100 and also visit http://www.trakus.org/kods_bird/uye/?fsx=2fsdl15@d&idx=10533).
WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus (pp. 377–378)
Potentially the earliest-ever spring record is a report from Bafa Gölü (Aegean) on 19 March 2008 (per John Pels).
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata (pp. 383–384)
Two unusually early records, but not the earliest ever, were at Bafa Gölü (Aegean) on 25 and 28 March 2008 (per John Pels). There is one previous March record, on the 6th, also from the south coast.
COLLARED FLYCATCHER Ficedula albicollis (p. 386)
Potentially the earliest-ever spring record is a report from Bafa Gölü (Aegean) on 23 March 2008 (per John Pels).
ISABELLINE SHRIKE Lanius isabellinus (p. 405)
Four reported in autumn 2008, to add to the 15 records listed in Kirwan et al. (2008). Sadly, no information to available to me concerning the taxa involved in any of the new reports, which are as follows: singles were at Filyos, near Zonguldak (Black Sea Coastlands) on 2 October 2008, at Yamansaz, near Antalya (Mediterranean) on 5 October 2008, at Karkamis, south of Birecik (Southeast Anatolia) on 12 October 2008, and at Balik Gölü, near Antakya (Mediterranean) on 12 December 2008 (all per Emin Yogurtcuoglu; cf. Sandgrouse 31: 100).
Panov (2009, On the nomenclature of the so-called Isabelline Shrike, Sandgrouse 31: 163–170) has questioned whether Pearson’s (2000) revision of the nomenclature of this complex was in fact correct, despite that it has been widely followed, given that the type specimen of isabellinus (from western Arabia), which Pearson considered could be ascribed to the taxon speculigerus, might indeed belong to isabellinus.
GREAT GREY SHRIKE Lanius excubitor (p. 408)
The first record for Southeast Anatolia involved a first-winter photographed at Ceylanpinar on 2 November 2009 (J. L. Copete et al.), which was confirmed to involve the race L. e. excubitor, which taxon is, suprisingly, still the only definitely known race to occur in Turkey.
EURASIAN GOLDEN ORIOLE Oriolus oriolus (p. 404)
Only two subspecies are recognised (Dickinson 2003), with O. o. kundoo (Indian Golden Oriole) having recently been recommended for specific status, initially by Rasmussen & Anderton (2005), and followed by Gill & Wright (2006) and Walther & Jones (2008, Handbook of the birds of the world, vol. 13). To date, no rationale for this split has appeared in the peer-reviewed literature.
SPOTTED NUTCRACKER Nucifraga caryocatactes (p. 413)
Two dated records, to add to the two mentioned in Kirwan et al. (2008), were made in autumn 2008 (Emin Yogurtcuoglu in litt. to WestPalBirds internet discussion group, where erroneously described as the second and third records for Turkey). A single was at Atatürk University Campus, Erzurum (East Anatolia) on 23 October 2008, with two individuals at Durusu, Istanbul (Thrace) between 16 November and 8 December 2008. The latter is the second record in Turkey involving more than one individual, following that in October 2005. See Sandgrouse 31: 100 (where incorrectly stated to be the second and third records) and http://www.trakus.org/kods_bird/uye/?fsx=2fsdl5@d&sc=K%F6knar+kargas%FD&sc_1=0&sc_2=4&Submit=Listele
ROSE-COLOURED STARLING Sturnus roseus (pp. 421–422)
Two recent papers (Lovette et al., 2008, Mol. Phyl. & Evol. 47: 251–260; Zuccon et al., Zool. Scripta 37: 469–481) have examined relationships amongst certain genera of Eurasian starlings from a molecular perspective, with the result that both Dutch Birding (31: 36) and the British Ornithologists’ Union (Brit. Birds 101: 104) have elected to transfer this species to the genus Pastor.
CITRIL FINCH Serinus citrinella (pp. 437–438)
This species has been transferred to Carduelis by the British Ornithologists’ Union Taxonomic Subcommittee, but a recently published genetic study considers its position to be still unresolved despite finding it to fall within the same clade as taxa such as European Serin Serinus serinus and Red-fronted Serin S. pusillus (Nguembock et al., 2009, Mol. Phyl. & Evol. 51: 169–181). These latter authors recommended that the subgenus Chloroptila, in which it was placed by Wolters (1980), be employed for this intriguing species.
EUROPEAN GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris (pp. 438–439)
Yet more evidence that this species is best placed in the genus Chloris has recently become available (Arnaiz-Villena et al., 2007, Acta Zool. Sinica 53: 826–834, Nguembock et al., 2009, Mol. Phyl. & Evol. 51: 169–181).
COMMON LINNET Carduelis cannabina (pp. 440–441)
The authors of a recent genetic study (Nguembock et al., 2009, Mol. Phyl. & Evol. 51: 169–181) suggest that the genus Linaria be resurrected for this species and that Acanthis be employed restrictively for the redpolls Carduelis flammea and C. hornemanni (Twite C. flavirostris was not sampled by this study). The same study also uncovered evidence to suggest that Eurasian Siskin C. spinus should be removed to the genus Spinus, Koch, 1816.
SNOW BUNTING Plectrophenax nivalis (p. 453)
The ninth record since the advent of modern recording (1966) involved one at Karaburun, Istanbul (Marmara) on 13 December 2008 (Sandgrouse 31: 100).
HOUSE BUNTING Emberiza striolata (p. 457)
The species is mentioned as having been recorded at the University of Gaziantep (Southeast Anatolia), apparently in the winter of 2003/04, by Toprak et al. (2008, Intern. J. Nat. & Engineering Sci. 2: 41–46). Unfortunately, no details of this potential first country record are presented; indeed the, presumably inexperienced authors, seem blissfully unaware of the significance of their sighting.
CINEREOUS BUNTING Emberiza cineracea (pp. 457–458)
Some additional breeding data involves three juveniles collected by Thomas Krüper in the environs of Smyrna (= Izmir) on 15 August 1871, which are held at Naturalis, Nationaal Natuurhistorisch Museum, Leiden, and were examined by myself in March 2009.
RUSTIC BUNTING Emberiza rustica (pp. 461–462)
The eighth record for Turkey (and third since 1966 and the advent of modern recording) involved one reported from the Middle East Technical University, Ankara (Inner Anatolia) on 15 March 2009 (Sandgrouse 31: 220).
CORRECTIONS
GADWALL Anas strepera (pp. 68–69)
Stated to be monotypic in Kirwan et al. (2008). The only recognised subspecies A. s. couesi, restricted to Tabuaeran Island, in the Kiribati Islands, is extinct, which clarification was not made in the original text (per Richard Klim; of Somerset, UK).
MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos (pp. 70–71)
Treated as monotypic in Kirwan et al. (2008). Two other subspecies are recognised by Dickinson (2003), but we fail to see the need to recognise A. p. conboschas, of Greenland (Icelandic birds, treated within the nominate approach Greenland birds in size), and we follow, for instance, Gill & Wright (2006; and many older authors) in electing to treat A. (p.) diazi (Mexican Duck) specifically. Few modern authorities fail to treat American Black Duck A. rubripes specifically, despite frequent hybridisation with Mallard, making the AOU’s (1998) decision to subsume diazi within A. platyrhynchos solely because of the existence of hybrid zone between the two something of an inconsistency. The need for clarification was pointed out by Richard Klim (Somerset, UK).
COMMON SCOTER Melanitta nigra (pp. 80–81)
It might have been mentioned that Collinson et al. (2006) advocated splitting North American and far north-east Russian (M. n. americana, so-called ‘Black Scoter’), and west and central Eurasian (nominate) populations of this species.
RUDDY DUCK Oxyura jamaicensis (p. 84)
Not always considered monotypic, as stated to be in Kirwan et al. (2008), with subspecies rubida (recognised, e.g., by Dickinson 2003, not admitted, for instance, by Madge & Burn 1988) occurring across mainland North America. South American forms are now generally afforded specific status (e.g., Dickinson 2003, Gill & Wright 2006, Remsen et al. 2008).
CORY’S (SCOPOLI’S) SHEARWATER Calonectris diomedea (p. 93)
Readers are referred to Sangster et al. (1998) in the Subspecies and taxonomy section, but this reference was unwittingly omitted from the Bibliography. The citation is: Sangster, G., Hazevoet, C. J., van den Berg, A. B. & Roselaar, C. S. 1998. Dutch avifaunal list: species concepts, taxonomic instability, and taxonomic changes in 1998. Dutch Birding 20: 22–32. Omission pointed out by John Azzopardi (Malta).
LEACH’S STORM-PETREL Oceanodroma leucorhoa (p. 95)
Incorrectly stated to be monotypic in Kirwan et al. (2008); in fact three additional subspecies are consistently recognised, all of them in the Pacific (Dickinson 2003). Correction pointed out by Richard Klim (Somerset, UK). We prefer the IOC (Green & Wright 2006) spelling ‘Storm Petrel’, but the hyphen is preferred by the publisher.
STEPPE EAGLE Aquila nipalensis (pp. 143–144)
The Subspecies and taxonomy text is partially confusing and incorrect. Following Clark (2005), we treat A. nipalensis as a monotypic species, thereby relegating subspecies orientalis to a synonym of nominate nipalensis. We concur with Roselaar (1995) that most, if not all, Turkish records are likely to refer to orientalis, should it be recognised, but have not seen any specimens from Turkey ourselves. That nipalensis sensu stricto could also occur seems possible, but is unproven; see Shirihai (1996) for a discussion of the issue as to whether orientalis might occur on passage in Israel / the wider Middle East.
BONELLI’S EAGLE Hieraaetus (Aquila) fasciatus (p. 148)
Incorrectly stated to be monotypic in Kirwan et al. (2008); in addition to the nominate, H. f. renschi is endemic to the Lesser Sundas (Dickinson 2003). Correction kindly pointed out by Richard Klim (Somerset, UK).
LONG-EARED OWL Asio otus (pp. 255–256)
Those areas of the map shaded darker than the rest should in fact be the darkest colour indicated on the baseline map on p. 45, thereby implying year-round residency in those parts of the country, as is correctly stated in the accompanying text. Correction kindly indicated by Lars Svensson (Sweden).
GREEN BEE-EATER Merops orientalis (p. 266)
The subspecies breeding in the Near East is not nominate orientalis, as incorrectly stated in Kirwan et al. (2008), but M. o. cyanophrys. Correction pointed out by Richard Klim (Somerset, UK).
CRESTED LARK Galerida cristata (pp. 287–288)
The text and map in Kirwan et al. (2008) are at variance, as pointed out by Lars Svensson (Sweden), with the text suggesting that the species is resident across the country and the map that the eastern third, other than the Aras Valley (a notably lower-lying area subject to somewhat milder climatic conditions), is vacated in winter. There is some evidence of immigration into central and southern regions of the country at this season (OST 1972: 119) and the only winter records from East Anatolia that we can find are from the Aras Valley, indicating that the map is correct. Nonetheless, the possibility exists that the species will also be found in other areas of this region in winter, albeit possibly only in milder winters, in small numbers and at low density, or only in certain geographical ‘pockets’ subject to overall less inclement weather conditions.
COMMON HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbicum (pp. 296–297)
Subspecies meridionale (cf. David & Gosselin 2002a) was incorrectly spelt meridionalis. Correction pointed out by Richard Klim (Somerset, UK).
(WESTERN) YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava (pp. 302–303)
Subspecies dombrowskii (not recognised by Dickinson 2003) was incorrectly spelt dumbrowskii. Correction pointed out by Richard Klim (Somerset, UK).
IRAQ BABBLER Tudoides altirostris (p. 388)
In the ultimate line of the Status and distribution text, the name of the first observer attached to the May 2008 report was misspelt; it should have read J. L. Copete. In early summer 2009, L. G. R. Evans (in litt. 2009) reported that at least seven pairs were present in the Euphrates Valley in the environs of Birecik (Southeast Anatolia). One pair just north of the town, on the west bank of the river, was accompanied by five young. Birds (up to 25) were still present on 1 November 2009, when fledged young were observed being fed by adults, indicating a very protracted breeding season (J. L. Copete et al.).
COMMON REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus (pp. 463–464)
Under Subspecies, it is incorrectly stated that the name othmari has priority over tschusii and or reiseri, but in fact if recognising just one subspecies for these taxa then tschusii has priority by several years. Dickinson (2003) apparently already elected to subsume othmari within tschusii, although this is not explicitly stated, but continued to recognise reiseri.
I am grateful to Norbert Frenz (Munich, Germany) for the following corrections to the German names given in the book (following Barthel & Helbig, 2005: Liste der Vögel Deutschlands. Limicola 19: 89-111).
p. 113 White Stork Ciconia ciconia: Weißstorch (for Weißtorch)
p. 120 Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor: Zwergflamingo (Rosaflamingo, which is Phoenicopterus ruber)
p. 130: Eurasian Black Vulture Aegypius monachus: Mönchsgeier (for Mönschgeier)
p. 134: Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus: Wiesenweihe (for Weisenweihe)
p. 225: Armenian Gull Larus armenicus: Armeniermöwe (for Armenienmöwe)
p. 239: Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata: Spießflughuhn (for Spiebflughuhn)
p. 246: Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria: Großer Alexandersittich (for Grober Alexandersitich)
p. 320: Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros: Hausrotschwanz (for Haurotschwanz)
p. 322: Güldenstädt's Redstart Pheonicurus erythrogastrus: Riesenrotschwanz (for Reisenrotschwanz)
p. 329: Eastern Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe melanoleuca: Balkansteinschmätzer (for Mittelmeer-Steinschmätzer, which is O. [melanoleuca] including hispanica)
p. 332 Red-tailed Wheatear Oenanthe xanthoprymna: Rostbürzel-Steinschmätzer (for Mittelmeer-Steinschmätzer, which is O. [melanoleuca])
p. 348: Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola: Seggenrohrsänger (for Segenrohrsänger)
p. 417: Hooded Crow Corvus cornix: Nebelkrähe (for Aaskrähe, which is C. [corone] including cornix)
p. 451: Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula: Gimpel (for gimpel)
