eWestern Birds
The Quarterly Journal of Western Field Ornithologists
Recolonization of the Flicker and Other Notes from Isla Guadalupe, Mexico
Paul R. Sweet, George F. Barrowclough, John T. Klicka, Liliana Montañez-Godoy, Patricia Escalante-Pliego
ABSTRACT: During a visit to Isla Guadalupe from 31 May to 3 June 1996, we documented three species new to the island, the Barn Owl, Swainson's Thrush, and Hooded Oriole, and established first breeding records for the European Starling and Western Meadowlark. Red-shafted Flickers are now breeding on the island, representing a recent recolonization from the mainland following the extinction of the endemic population. We investigated the validity of Colaptes auratus rufipileus and concluded that it does not meet the standard for phylogenetic species but differs from C. a. collaris at the 75% level usually associated with subspecific rank. Damage to the cypress forest by goats continues, and all species dependent on these trees are threatened by loss of habitat.
Download—Recolonization of the Flicker and Other Notes from Isla Guadalupe, Mexico