Torresian Imperial Pigeon - Taxonomy

Taxonomy

Its taxonomy is confusing and remains unsettled. It has sometimes been considered a subspecies of the Pied Imperial Pigeon. When recognized as a separate species, the number of subspecies of the Torresian Imperial Pigeon also remains unsettled. Many recognize two: The widespread D. s. spilorrhoa (nominate) and D. s. constans of the Kimberleys. However, the latter is sometimes considered a junior synonym of former. Alternatively, it has been argued that it should be considered a separate species, the Kimberley Imperial-pigeon (D. constans ). Two additional taxa, subflavescens of the Bismarck Archipelago and melanura of the Moluccas, have been associated with the Torresian Imperial Pigeon. The former has a distinctive yellowish-tinged plumage and a bluish basal half of the bill, and is increasingly treated as a separate species, the Yellowish Imperial Pigeon (D. subflavescens). Most recent authorities place melanura under the Pied Imperial Pigeon, but it has black spotting to the undertail coverts and a greenish-yellow bill similar to the Torresian Imperial Pigeon. However, melanura also has a significantly broader black tail-tip than the Torresian Imperial Pigeon.