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Inspiring and Supporting Photographers of Australian Birds

Changes in Taxonomy


This page shows a comparison between the BirdLife Australia (v1.1) taxonomy used on an early version of the website and the v3 list which we are currently using.

Splits and Lumps in Taxonomy

Whilst most of us think we know what a 'species' is, scientists called taxonomists are continually assessing the genetic makeup and other aspects of species, and this can result in changes. Not all taxonomists agree, and different lists (taxonomies) may have different sets of species!

Sometimes they decide that what were previously regarded as two separate species, such as Rufous Fantail and Arafura Fantail, are in fact sufficiently closely related that they are best regarded as a single species - in this case the Rufous Fantail. This is called a 'lump'.

As far as this website is concerned, this is very simple: all photos that were originally uploaded as Rufous or Arafura Fantails are now re-assigned to Rufous Fantail. In the case of newer lumps we update the comment on the photos to say what the original species was. You can no longer upload an image as Arafura Fantail, or search for Arafura Fantail in the lists.

On other occasions they decide that what was previously thought of as a single species, such as Thick-billed Grasswren, contains sufficient differences that it deserves to be regarded as two or more species - in this case Thick-billed Grasswren and Western Grasswren. This is called a 'split'.

Splits are much more complex for us to handle. We have photos of 'Thick-billed Grasswren' and now they may be of either species. In some cases it is easy to determine (eg. based on range), in others very hard. Our solution to this (using Thick-billed Grasswren as an example) is as follows:

  • All existing photos of Thick-billed Grasswren are assigned to a new name: 'Thick-billed Grasswren complex'.
  • Over time the original photographers or the moderators will attempt to assign such images to the correct new species. To assist in this, when editing an image of a 'complex' the list of new species will be shown.
  • When you upload you have to make a choice of Thick-billed or Western Grasswren. Because you may not have realised the species has been split there will be an indication of this on the upload page if you select Thick-billed.
  • If you search for images of 'Thick-billed Grasswren complex' you will get all images of that name, together with any images of the new species - Thick-billed or Western Grasswren.
  • If you search for one of the new species - e.g. Western Grasswren - you will get images of that species and the complex.
  • Note that in this example the name of one of the new species is the same as the name of the original single species. In some splits (e.g. Rockhopper Penguin into Northern and Southern) this is not the case.

For completeness, this page contains details of all changes in updates to BirdLife Australia's Working List of Australian Birds (BWL) used on this site since February 2016.

Lumps:

  • Imperial Shag and Kerguelen Shag lumped as Imperial Shag
  • White-lined Honeyeater and Kimberley Honeyeater lumped as White-lined Honeyeater
  • Rufous Fantail and Arafura Fantail lumped as Rufous Fantail
  • Scarlet Robin and Pacific Robin lumped as Scarlet Robin
  • Eastern Yellow Wagtail and Green-headed Yellow Wagtail lumped as Yellow Wagtail

Splits:

  • Wandering Albatross split into Wandering Albatross, Amsterdam Albatross, Tristan Albatross and Antipodean Albatross
  • Royal Albatross split into Northern Royal Albatross and Southern Royal Albatross
  • Black-browed Albatross split into Black-browed Albatross and Campbell Albatross
  • Shy Albatross split into Shy Albatross, White-capped Albatross, Chatham Albatross and Salvin's Albatross
  • Yellow-nosed Albatross split into Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross and Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross
  • Rockhopper Penguin split into Southern Rockhopper Penguin and Northern Rockhopper Penguin
  • Macaroni Penguin split into Macaroni Penguin and Royal Penguin
  • Ground Parrot split into Western Ground Parrot and Eastern Ground Parrot (this split has been reversed in the upgrade to v2)
  • Little Bronze-Cuckoo split into Little Bronze-Cuckoo and Gould's Bronze-Cuckoo (this split has been reversed in the upgrade to v2)
  • Thick-billed Grasswren split into Thick-billed Grasswren and Western Grasswren

Changes from BWL v3 to BWL v4


Splits
Species that is split New species from split
Previous Common Name Previous Scientific Name Family Order New Common Name New Scientific Name Status Population
Variegated Fairy-wren complexMalurus lambertiFairy-wrens, Emu-wrens and Grasswrens (Maluridae)PasseriformesVariegated Fairy-wrenMalurus lambertiEndemic
Purple-backed Fairy-wrenMalurus assimilisLeast concernEndemic
Graceful Honeyeater complexMicroptilotis gracilisHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesGraceful HoneyeaterMicroptilotis gracilisLeast concernAustralian
Cryptic HoneyeaterMicroptilotis imitatrixLeast concernEndemic

Other changes

The following 13 species have been added in the latest list. It does not include species that resulted from a split
Common Name Scientific Name Family Order Status Population
Tufted DuckAythya fuligulaDucks, Geese and Swans (Anatidae)AnseriformesVagrant
Chestnut-winged CuckooClamator coromandusCuckoos (Cuculidae)CuculiformesVagrant
Square-tailed Drongo-cuckooSurniculus lugubrisCuckoos (Cuculidae)CuculiformesVagrant
Phoenix PetrelPterodroma albaPetrels and Shearwaters (Procellariidae)ProcellariiformesVagrant
Magenta PetrelPterodroma magentaePetrels and Shearwaters (Procellariidae)ProcellariiformesVagrant
Cory's ShearwaterCalonectris borealisPetrels and Shearwaters (Procellariidae)ProcellariiformesVagrant
Whenua Hou Diving-PetrelPelecanoides whenuahouensisPetrels and Shearwaters (Procellariidae)ProcellariiformesCritically endangeredAustralian
Collared PratincoleGlareola pratincolaPratincoles (Glareolidae)CharadriiformesVagrant
Black-fronted TernChlidonias albostriatus ()Vagrant
Long-tailed Honey-buzzardHenicopernis longicaudaEagles, Kites, Goshawks (Accipitridae)AccipitriformesVagrant
Amur FalconFalco amurensis ()Vagrant
Elegant PittaPitta elegans ()Vagrant
Yellow-browed WarblerPhylloscopus inornatusBulbuls (Pycnonotidae)PasseriformesVagrant

Changes from BWL v2.1 to BWL v3


Splits
Species that is split New species from split
Previous Common Name Previous Scientific Name Family Order New Common Name New Scientific Name Status Population
Intermediate Egret complexArdea intermediaHerons, Egrets and Bitterns (Ardeidae)PelecaniformesIntermediate EgretArdea intermediaVagrantVagrant
Plumed EgretArdea plumiferaLeast concernAustralian
Blue-faced Honeyeater complexEntomyzon cyanotisHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesBlue-faced HoneyeaterEntomyzon cyanotisLeast concernAustralian
White-quilled HoneyeaterEntomyzon albipennisLeast concernEndemic
White-naped Honeyeater complexMelithreptus lunatusHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesGilbert's HoneyeaterMelithreptus chloropsisLeast concernEndemic
White-naped HoneyeaterMelithreptus lunatusLeast concernEndemic
Black-chinned Honeyeater complexMelithreptus gularisHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesGolden-backed HoneyeaterMelithreptus laetiorLeast concernEndemic
Black-chinned HoneyeaterMelithreptus gularisNear threatenedEndemic
White-lined Honeyeater complexMicroptilotis albilineataHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesKimberley HoneyeaterMicroptilotis fordianusLeast concernEndemic
White-lined HoneyeaterMicroptilotis albilineatusLeast concernEndemic
Rufous Fieldwren complexCalamanthus campestrisThornbills and Gerygones (Acanthizidae)PasseriformesWestern FieldwrenCalamanthus montanellusLeast concernEndemic
Rufous FieldwrenCalamanthus campestrisLeast concernEndemic
Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush complexCinclosoma castaneothoraxWhipbirds and Wedgebills (Cinclosomatidae)PasseriformesWestern Quail-thrushCinclosoma marginatumLeast concernEndemic
Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrushCinclosoma castaneothoraxLeast concernEndemic
Cinnamon Quail-thrush complexCinclosoma cinnamomeumWhipbirds and Wedgebills (Cinclosomatidae)PasseriformesNullarbor Quail-thrushCinclosoma alisteriLeast concernEndemic
Cinnamon Quail-thrushCinclosoma cinnamomeumLeast concernEndemic
Crested Shrike-tit complexFalcunculus frontatusShriketits (Falcunculidae)PasseriformesNorthern Shrike-titFalcunculus whiteiLeast concernEndemic
Western Shrike-titFalcunculus leucogasterLeast concernEndemic
Eastern Shrike-titFalcunculus frontatusLeast concernEndemic
Grey Whistler complexPachycephala simplexWhistlers, Shrike-thrushes and allies (Pachycephalidae)PasseriformesGrey-headed WhistlerPachycephala griseicepsLeast concernAustralian
Brown WhistlerPachycephala simplexLeast concernAustralian
Grey Butcherbird complexCracticus torquatusWoodswallows, Currawongs, Butcherbirds and Magpie (Artamidae)PasseriformesGrey ButcherbirdCracticus torquatusLeast concernEndemic
Silver-backed ButcherbirdCracticus argenteusLeast concernEndemic
Rufous Fantail complexRhipidura rufifronsFantails (Rhipiduridae)PasseriformesRufous FantailRhipidura rufifronsLeast concernAustralian
Arafura FantailRhipidura dryasLeast concernAustralian
Grey Fantail complexRhipidura fuliginosaFantails (Rhipiduridae)PasseriformesGrey FantailRhipidura albiscapaLeast concernAustralian
New Zealand FantailRhipidura fuliginosaExtinctExtinct (Australia only)
Restless Flycatcher complexMyiagra inquietaMonarch and Flycatchers (Monarchidae)PasseriformesPaperbark FlycatcherMyiagra nanaLeast concernAustralian
Restless FlycatcherMyiagra inquietaLeast concernAustralian
Scarlet Robin complexPetroica multicolorAustralian Robins (Petroicidae)PasseriformesScarlet RobinPetroica boodangLeast concernAustralian
Norfolk Island RobinPetroica multicolorEndangeredEndemic
Lemon-bellied Flycatcher complexMicroeca flavigasterAustralian Robins (Petroicidae)PasseriformesKimberley FlycatcherMicroeca tormentiLeast concernEndemic
Lemon-bellied FlycatcherMicroeca flavigasterLeast concernAustralian
Crimson Finch complexNeochmia phaetonWeaver Finches (Estrildidae)PasseriformesBlack-bellied Crimson FinchNeochmia phaetonLeast concernAustralian
White-bellied Crimson FinchNeochmia evangelinaeNear threatenedAustralian

Other changes

The following 12 species have been added in the latest list. It does not include species that resulted from a split
Common Name Scientific Name Family Order Status Population
Zoe's Imperial-PigeonDucula zoeaePigeons and Doves (Columbidae)ColumbiformesVagrantVagrant
Orange-fronted Fruit-dovePtilinopus aurantiifronsPigeons and Doves (Columbidae)ColumbiformesVagrantVagrant
Silver-backed NeedletailHirundapus cochinchinensisSwifts and Swiftlets (Apodidae)CaprimulgiformesVagrantVagrant
Common SwiftApus apusSwifts and Swiftlets (Apodidae)CaprimulgiformesVagrantVagrant
Indian CuckooCuculus micropterusCuckoos (Cuculidae)CuculiformesVagrantVagrant
Slaty-breasted RailLewinia striataCrakes, Rails and Swamphens (Rallidae)GruiformesVagrantVagrant
Lesser MoorhenGallinula angulataCrakes, Rails and Swamphens (Rallidae)GruiformesVagrantVagrant
Band-rumped Storm-PetrelHydrobates castroNorthern Storm-Petrels (Hydrobatidae)ProcellariiformesVagrantVagrant
Temminck's StintCalidris temminckiiSnipe, Sandpipers, Godwits, Curlew, Stints and Phalaropes (Scolopacidae)CharadriiformesVagrantVagrant
Crow-billed DrongoDicrurus annectensDrongos (Dicruridae)PasseriformesVagrantVagrant
Kamchatka Leaf-warblerPhylloscopus examinandusLeaf Warblers (Phylloscopidae)PasseriformesVagrantVagrant
Tree PipitAnthus trivialisPipits and Wagtails (Motacillidae)PasseriformesVagrantVagrant

The following 5 species have had both common and scientific names changed - usually as a result of a split or lump of a species with wider distribution
New Common Name New Scientific Name Previous Common Name Previous Scientific Name Family Order Status Population
Papuan PittaErythropitta macklotiiRed-bellied PittaPitta erythrogasterPittas (Pittidae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian
Common CicadabirdEdolisoma tenuirostreCicadabirdEdolisoma tenuirostrisCuckoo-shrikes and Trillers (Campephagidae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian
Frill-necked MonarchArses lorealisFrilled MonarchArses telescopthalmusMonarch and Flycatchers (Monarchidae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian
Oriental Reed-WarblerAcrocephalus orientalisGreat Reed-WarblerAcrocephalus arundinaceusReed-Warblers (Acrocephalidae)PasseriformesLeast concernNon-breeding
Eastern Yellow WagtailMotacilla tschutschensisYellow WagtailMotacilla flavaPipits and Wagtails (Motacillidae)PasseriformesLeast concernNon-breeding

The following 18 species have had their common name changed
New Common Name Scientific Name Previous Common Name Family Order Status Population
MallardAnas platyrhynchosNorthern MallardDucks, Geese and Swans (Anatidae)AnseriformesIntroducedIntroduced
Red Turtle-DoveStreptopelia tranquebaricaRed Collared-DovePigeons and Doves (Columbidae)ColumbiformesVagrantVagrant
Pied Imperial PigeonDucula bicolorPied Imperial-PigeonPigeons and Doves (Columbidae)ColumbiformesVagrantVagrant
Black-banded Fruit-DovePtilinopus alligatorBanded Fruit-DovePigeons and Doves (Columbidae)ColumbiformesLeast concernEndemic
Great Pied CormorantPhalacrocorax variusPied CormorantCormorants and Shags (Phalacrocoracidae)PelecaniformesLeast concernAustralian
Common Ringed PloverCharadrius hiaticulaRinged PloverPlovers, Dotterel and Lapwings (Charadriidae)CharadriiformesVagrantVagrant
Far Eastern CurlewNumenius madagascariensisEastern CurlewSnipe, Sandpipers, Godwits, Curlew, Stints and Phalaropes (Scolopacidae)CharadriiformesCritically endangeredNon-breeding
Red PhalaropePhalaropus fulicariusGrey PhalaropeSnipe, Sandpipers, Godwits, Curlew, Stints and Phalaropes (Scolopacidae)CharadriiformesVagrantVagrant
Brown NoddyAnous stolidusCommon NoddyGulls, Terns and Noddies (Laridae)CharadriiformesLeast concernAustralian
Greater Crested TernThalasseus bergiiCrested TernGulls, Terns and Noddies (Laridae)CharadriiformesLeast concernAustralian
Tasman MoreporkNinox novaeseelandiaeNew Zealand BoobookHawk-Owls (Strigidae)StrigiformesCritically endangeredAustralian
Christmas Island BoobookNinox natalisChristmas Island Hawk-OwlHawk-Owls (Strigidae)StrigiformesVulnerableEndemic
Oriental DollarbirdEurystomus orientalisDollarbirdDollarbird (Coraciidae)CoraciiformesLeast concernAustralian
BluebonnetNorthiella haematogasterBlue BonnetParrots, Lorikeets and Rosellas (Psittaculidae)PsittaciformesLeast concernEndemic
Black-eared CatbirdAiluroedus melanotisSpotted CatbirdBowerbirds and Catbirds (Ptilonorhynchidae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian
Mangrove FantailRhipidura phasianaMangrove Grey FantailFantails (Rhipiduridae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian
Eurasian MagpiePica picaBlack-billed MagpieCrows and Ravens (Corvidae)PasseriformesVagrantVagrant
Australian Yellow White-eyeZosterops luteusYellow White-eyeTrue Babblers (Zosteropidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic

The following 35 species have had their scientific name changed
Common Name New Scientific Name Previous Scientific Name Family Order Status Population
Spotted DoveSpilopelia chinensisStreptopelia chinensisPigeons and Doves (Columbidae)ColumbiformesIntroducedIntroduced
Laughing DoveSpilopelia senegalensisStreptopelia senegalensisPigeons and Doves (Columbidae)ColumbiformesIntroducedIntroduced
Wompoo Fruit-DoveMegaloprepia magnificaPtilinopus magnificusPigeons and Doves (Columbidae)ColumbiformesLeast concernAustralian
Grey NightjarCaprimulgus jotakaCaprimulgus indicusNightjars (Caprimulgidae)CaprimulgiformesVagrantVagrant
Long-tailed CuckooUrodynamis taitensisUrodynamys taitensisCuckoos (Cuculidae)CuculiformesVagrantVagrant
Leach's Storm-PetrelHydrobates leucorhousHydrobates leucorhoaNorthern Storm-Petrels (Hydrobatidae)ProcellariiformesVagrantVagrant
Imperial ShagLeucocarbo atricepsPhalacrocorax atricepsCormorants and Shags (Phalacrocoracidae)PelecaniformesNear threatenedAustralian
Inland DotterelPeltohyas australisCharadrius australisPlovers, Dotterel and Lapwings (Charadriidae)CharadriiformesLeast concernEndemic
Grey NoddyAnous albivittusProcelsterna albivittaGulls, Terns and Noddies (Laridae)CharadriiformesLeast concernAustralian
Black-headed GullLarus ridibundusChroicocephalus ridibundusGulls, Terns and Noddies (Laridae)CharadriiformesVagrantVagrant
Silver GullLarus novaehollandiaeChroicocephalus novaehollandiaeGulls, Terns and Noddies (Laridae)CharadriiformesLeast concernAustralian
Franklin's GullLarus pipixcanLeucophaeus pipixcanGulls, Terns and Noddies (Laridae)CharadriiformesVagrantVagrant
Laughing GullLarus atricillaLeucophaeus atricillaGulls, Terns and Noddies (Laridae)CharadriiformesVagrantVagrant
Brown SkuaCatharacta antarcticaCatharacta antarcticusSkuas and Jaegers (Stercorariidae)CharadriiformesLeast concernAustralian
Buffy Fish-OwlKetupa ketupuKetupu ketupuHawk-Owls (Strigidae)StrigiformesVagrantVagrant
Oriental Honey-buzzardPernis ptilorhynchusPernis ptilorynchusHawks and Eagles (Accipitridae)AccipitriformesVagrantVagrant
Yellow-tailed Black-CockatooZanda funereaZanda funereusCockatoos and Corellas (Cacatuidae)PsittaciformesLeast concernEndemic
Golden BowerbirdPrionodura newtonianaAmblyornis newtonianusBowerbirds and Catbirds (Ptilonorhynchidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Spotted BowerbirdChlamydera maculataPtilonorhynchus maculatusBowerbirds and Catbirds (Ptilonorhynchidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Western BowerbirdChlamydera guttataPtilonorhynchus guttatusBowerbirds and Catbirds (Ptilonorhynchidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Great BowerbirdChlamydera nuchalisPtilonorhynchus nuchalisBowerbirds and Catbirds (Ptilonorhynchidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Fawn-breasted BowerbirdChlamydera cerviniventrisPtilonorhynchus cerviniventrisBowerbirds and Catbirds (Ptilonorhynchidae)PasseriformesNear threatenedAustralian
Black HoneyeaterSugomel nigrumSugomel nigerHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Tawny-crowned HoneyeaterGliciphila melanopsGlyciphila melanopsHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Chestnut Quail-thrushCinclosoma castanotumCinclosoma castanotusWhipbirds and Wedgebills (Cinclosomatidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
White-breasted WoodswallowArtamus leucorynArtamus leucorynchusWoodswallows, Currawongs, Butcherbirds and Magpie (Artamidae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian
Northern FantailRhipidura isuraRhipidura rufiventrisFantails (Rhipiduridae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian
Spectacled MonarchSymposiachrus trivirgatusSymposiarchus trivirgatusMonarch and Flycatchers (Monarchidae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian
Paradise RiflebirdLophorina paradiseaLophorina paradiseusBirds of Paradise (Paradisaeidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Magnificent RiflebirdLophorina magnificaLophorina magnificusBirds of Paradise (Paradisaeidae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian
Grey-headed RobinHeteromyias cinereifronsHeteromyias albispecularisAustralian Robins (Petroicidae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian
Mangrove RobinPeneoenanthe pulverulentaPeneothello pulverulentaAustralian Robins (Petroicidae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian
Arctic WarblerPhylloscopus borealisSericercus borealisLeaf Warblers (Phylloscopidae)PasseriformesVagrantVagrant
Siberian Blue RobinLarvivora cyaneLuscinia cyaneOld world flycatchers (Muscicapidae)PasseriformesVagrantVagrant
Zebra FinchTaeniopygia castanotisTaeniopygia guttataWeaver Finches (Estrildidae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian

Changes from BWL v1.1 to BWL v2.1


Lumps
Species being lumped New species
Previous Common Name Previous Scientific Name New Common Name New Scientific Name Family Order Status Population
Little Bronze-CuckooChalcites minutillusLittle Bronze-CuckooChalcites minutillusCuckoos (Cuculidae)CuculiformesLeast concernAustralian
Gould's Bronze-CuckooChalcites russatus
Brown GoshawkAccipiter fasciatusBrown GoshawkAccipiter fasciatusEagles, Kites, Goshawks (Accipitridae)AccipitriformesLeast concernAustralian
Variable GoshawkAccipiter hiogaster
Red-fronted ParakeetCyanoramphus novaezelandiaeRed-fronted ParakeetCyanoramphus novaezelandiaeParrots, Lorikeets and Rosellas (Psittaculidae)PsittaciformesCritically endangeredAustralian
Tasman ParakeetCyanoramphus cookii
Western Ground ParrotPezoporus flaviventrisGround ParrotPezoporus wallicusParrots, Lorikeets and Rosellas (Psittaculidae)PsittaciformesLeast concernEndemic
Eastern Ground ParrotPezoporus wallicus

Splits
Species that is split New species from split
Previous Common Name Previous Scientific Name Family Order New Common Name New Scientific Name Status Population
Emerald Dove complexChalcophaps indicaPigeons and Doves (Columbidae)ColumbiformesBrown-capped Emerald-DoveChalcophaps longirostrisLeast concernAustralian
Grey-capped Emerald-DoveChalcophaps indicaNear threatenedAustralian
Gull-billed Tern complexGelochelidon niloticaGulls, Terns and Noddies (Laridae)CharadriiformesCommon Gull-billed TernGelochelidon niloticaLeast concernNon-breeding
Australian Gull-billed TernGelochelidon macrotarsaLeast concernEndemic (breeding only)
Macaroni Penguin complexEudyptes chrysolophusPenguins (Spheniscidae)SphenisciformesMacaroni PenguinEudyptes chrysolophusNear threatenedAustralian
Royal PenguinEudyptes schlegeliNear threatenedEndemic (breeding only)
Rockhopper Penguin complexEudyptes chrysocomePenguins (Spheniscidae)SphenisciformesNorthern Rockhopper PenguinEudyptes moseleyiVagrantVagrant
Southern Rockhopper PenguinEudyptes chrysocomeVulnerableAustralian
Wandering Albatross complexDiomedea exulansAlbatrosses (Diomedeidae)ProcellariiformesWandering AlbatrossDiomedea exulansCritically endangeredAustralian
Antipodean AlbatrossDiomedea antipodensisEndangeredNon-breeding
Amsterdam AlbatrossDiomedea amsterdamensisVagrantNo confirmed record
Tristan AlbatrossDiomedea dabbenenaVagrantAustralian
Royal Albatross complexDiomedea epomophoraAlbatrosses (Diomedeidae)ProcellariiformesNorthern Royal AlbatrossDiomedea sanfordiEndangeredNon-breeding
Southern Royal AlbatrossDiomedea epomophoraVulnerableNon-breeding
Yellow-nosed Albatross complexThalassarche chlororhynchosAlbatrosses (Diomedeidae)ProcellariiformesAtlantic Yellow-nosed AlbatrossThalassarche chlororhynchosVagrantVagrant
Indian Yellow-nosed AlbatrossThalassarche carteriEndangeredNon-breeding
Black-browed Albatross complexThalassarche melanophrysAlbatrosses (Diomedeidae)ProcellariiformesBlack-browed AlbatrossThalassarche melanophrisEndangeredAustralian
Campbell AlbatrossThalassarche impavidaVulnerableNon-breeding
Shy Albatross complexThalassarche cautaAlbatrosses (Diomedeidae)ProcellariiformesShy AlbatrossThalassarche cautaVulnerableEndemic (breeding only)
White-capped AlbatrossThalassarche steadiVulnerableNon-breeding
Chatham AlbatrossThalassarche eremitaVagrantVagrant
Salvin's AlbatrossThalassarche salviniVulnerableNon-breeding
Great-winged Petrel complexPterodroma macropteraPetrels and Shearwaters (Procellariidae)ProcellariiformesGreat-winged PetrelPterodroma macropteraLeast concernAustralian
Grey-faced PetrelPterodroma gouldiLeast concernNon-breeding
Little Shearwater complexPuffinus assimilisPetrels and Shearwaters (Procellariidae)ProcellariiformesLittle ShearwaterPuffinus assimilisLeast concernAustralian
Subantarctic ShearwaterPuffinus elegansLeast concernNon-breeding
Sooty Owl complexTyto tenebricosaMasked Owls (Tytonidae)StrigiformesGreater Sooty OwlTyto tenebricosaLeast concernAustralian
Lesser Sooty OwlTyto multipunctataLeast concernEndemic
Southern Boobook complexNinox novaeseelandiaeHawk-Owls (Strigidae)StrigiformesSouthern BoobookNinox boobookLeast concernAustralian
Tasmanian BoobookNinox leucopsisLeast concernEndemic
New Zealand BoobookNinox novaeseelandiaeCritically endangeredAustralian
Rainbow Lorikeet complexTrichoglossus haematodusParrots, Lorikeets and Rosellas (Psittaculidae)PsittaciformesCoconut LorikeetTrichoglossus haematodusLeast concernNon-breeding
Rainbow LorikeetTrichoglossus moluccanusLeast concernEndemic
Red-collared LorikeetTrichoglossus rubritorquisLeast concernEndemic
Double-eyed Fig-Parrot complexCyclopsitta diophthalmaParrots, Lorikeets and Rosellas (Psittaculidae)PsittaciformesDouble-eyed Fig-ParrotCyclopsitta diophthalmaLeast concernAustralian
Coxen's Fig-ParrotCyclopsitta coxeniEndangeredEndemic
Thick-billed Grasswren complexAmytornis textilisFairy-wrens, Emu-wrens and Grasswrens (Maluridae)PasseriformesWestern GrasswrenAmytornis textilisLeast concernEndemic
Thick-billed GrasswrenAmytornis modestusLeast concernEndemic

Other changes

The following 12 species have been added in the latest list. It does not include species that resulted from a split
Common Name Scientific Name Family Order Status Population
Eurasian WigeonMareca penelopeDucks, Geese and Swans (Anatidae)AnseriformesVagrantVagrant
Oriental Turtle DoveStreptopelia orientalisPigeons and Doves (Columbidae)ColumbiformesVagrantVagrant
Slaty-backed GullLarus schistisagusGulls, Terns and Noddies (Laridae)CharadriiformesVagrantVagrant
Heinroth's ShearwaterPuffinus heinrothiPetrels and Shearwaters (Procellariidae)ProcellariiformesVagrantVagrant
Japanese SparrowhawkAccipiter gularisEagles, Kites, Goshawks (Accipitridae)AccipitriformesVagrantVagrant
Oriental Scops-owlOtus suniaHawk-Owls (Strigidae)StrigiformesVagrantVagrant
Hooded PittaPitta sordidaPittas (Pittidae)PasseriformesVagrantVagrant
Mugimaki FlycatcherFicedula mugimakiOld world flycatchers (Muscicapidae)PasseriformesVagrantVagrant
Siberian Blue RobinLuscinia cyaneOld world flycatchers (Muscicapidae)PasseriformesVagrantVagrant
Siberian ThrushGeokichla sibiricaThrushes (Turdidae)PasseriformesVagrantVagrant
Trindade PetrelPterodroma arminjonianaPetrels and Shearwaters (Procellariidae)Procellariiformes
Western SandpiperCalidris mauriSnipe, Sandpipers, Godwits, Curlew, Stints and Phalaropes (Scolopacidae)CharadriiformesNo confirmed record

The following 14 species are no longer in the list - either because there is no accepted record or because they are extinct. It does not list species which have been split.
Common Name Scientific Name Population Conservation Status
New Zealand FantailRhipidura fuliginosa
Oriental Reed-WarblerAcrocephalus orientalis
Black-nest SwiftletAerodramus maximus
Linchi SwiftletCollocalia linchi
Asian Drongo-CuckooSurniculus lugubris
Vanuatu PetrelPterodroma occulta
Kerguelen PintailAnas eatoni
Rufous-bellied KookaburraDacelo gaudichaud
Edible-nest SwiftletAerodramus fuciphagus
Brown-backed NeedletailHirundapus giganteus
Silver-backed NeedletailHirundapus cochinchinensis
Common Paradise-KingfisherTanysiptera galatea
Wallacean Cuckoo-shrikeCoracina personata
Norfolk Island Ground-DoveGallicolumba norfolciensis

The following 6 species have had both common and scientific names changed - usually as a result of a split or lump of a species with wider distribution
New Common Name New Scientific Name Previous Common Name Previous Scientific Name Family Order Status Population
Australian SwiftletAerodramus terraereginaeWhite-rumped SwiftletAerodramus spodiopygiusSwifts and Swiftlets (Apodidae)CaprimulgiformesLeast concernAustralian
Grey NoddyProcelsterna albivittaGrey TernletProcelsterna ceruleaGulls, Terns and Noddies (Laridae)CharadriiformesLeast concernAustralian
Tropical ShearwaterPuffinus bailloniAudubon's ShearwaterPuffinus lherminieriPetrels and Shearwaters (Procellariidae)ProcellariiformesVagrantVagrant
Australian Little BitternIxobrychus dubiusLittle BitternIxobrychus minutusHerons, Egrets and Bitterns (Ardeidae)PelecaniformesLeast concernAustralian
Australasian DarterAnhinga novaehollandiaeAustralian DarterAnhinga melanogasterDarter (Anhingidae)PelecaniformesLeast concernAustralian
Northern BoobookNinox japonicaBrown Hawk-OwlNinox scutulataHawk-Owls (Strigidae)StrigiformesVagrantVagrant

The following 8 species have had their common name changed
New Common Name Scientific Name Previous Common Name Family Order Status Population
Blue-tailed Imperial-PigeonDucula concinnaElegant Imperial-PigeonPigeons and Doves (Columbidae)ColumbiformesVagrantVagrant
Whistling Hawk-cuckooHierococcyx nisicolorHodgson's Hawk-cuckooCuckoos (Cuculidae)CuculiformesVagrantVagrant
Oriental CuckooCuculus saturatusHimalayan CuckooCuckoos (Cuculidae)CuculiformesLeast concernNon-breeding
Pied StiltHimantopus leucocephalusBlack-winged StiltStilts and Avocets (Recurvirostridae)CharadriiformesLeast concernAustralian
Australian Painted-snipeRostratula australisAustralian Painted SnipePainted Snipe (Rostratulidae)CharadriiformesEndangeredEndemic
Chinese GoshawkAccipiter soloensisChinese SparrowhawkEagles, Kites, Goshawks (Accipitridae)AccipitriformesVagrantVagrant
Green OrioleOriolus flavocinctusYellow OrioleOrioles and Figbirds (Oriolidae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian
Australasian PipitAnthus novaeseelandiaeAustralian PipitPipits and Wagtails (Motacillidae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian

The following 91 species have had their scientific name changed
Common Name New Scientific Name Previous Scientific Name Family Order Status Population
Radjah ShelduckRadjah radjahTadorna radjahDucks, Geese and Swans (Anatidae)AnseriformesLeast concernAustralian
GarganeySpatula querquedulaAnas querquedulaDucks, Geese and Swans (Anatidae)AnseriformesLeast concernVagrant
Australasian ShovelerSpatula rhynchotisAnas rhynchotisDucks, Geese and Swans (Anatidae)AnseriformesLeast concernAustralian
Northern ShovelerSpatula clypeataAnas clypeataDucks, Geese and Swans (Anatidae)AnseriformesVagrantVagrant
Brown QuailSynoicus ypsilophorusCoturnix ypsilophoraPheasants and Quail (Phasianidae)GalliformesLeast concernAustralian
King QuailSynoicus chinensisExcalfactoria chinensisPheasants and Quail (Phasianidae)GalliformesLeast concernAustralian
Barbary DoveStreptopelia roseogriseaStreptopelia risoriaPigeons and Doves (Columbidae)ColumbiformesIntroducedIntroduced
Brown Cuckoo-DoveMacropygia phasianellaMacropygia amboinensisPigeons and Doves (Columbidae)ColumbiformesLeast concernAustralian
Peaceful DoveGeopelia placidaGeopelia striataPigeons and Doves (Columbidae)ColumbiformesLeast concernAustralian
Banded Fruit-DovePtilinopus alligatorPtilinopus cinctusPigeons and Doves (Columbidae)ColumbiformesLeast concernEndemic
Pallid CuckooHeteroscenes pallidusCacomantis pallidusCuckoos (Cuculidae)CuculiformesLeast concernEndemic (breeding only)
Lord Howe WoodhenHypotaenidia sylvestrisGallirallus sylvestrisCrakes, Rails and Swamphens (Rallidae)GruiformesEndangeredEndemic
Buff-banded RailHypotaenidia philippensisGallirallus philippensisCrakes, Rails and Swamphens (Rallidae)GruiformesLeast concernAustralian
Ruddy-breasted CrakeZapornia fuscaPorzana fuscaCrakes, Rails and Swamphens (Rallidae)GruiformesVagrantVagrant
Baillon's CrakeZapornia pusillaPorzana pusillaCrakes, Rails and Swamphens (Rallidae)GruiformesLeast concernAustralian
Spotless CrakeZapornia tabuensisPorzana tabuensisCrakes, Rails and Swamphens (Rallidae)GruiformesLeast concernAustralian
Pale-vented Bush-henAmaurornis moluccanaAmaurornis olivaceusCrakes, Rails and Swamphens (Rallidae)GruiformesLeast concernAustralian
Sarus CraneAntigone antigoneGrus antigoneCranes (Gruidae)GruiformesLeast concernAustralian
BrolgaAntigone rubicundaGrus rubicundaCranes (Gruidae)GruiformesLeast concernAustralian
Beach Stone-curlewEsacus magnirostrisEsacus giganteusStone-curlews (Burhinidae)CharadriiformesLeast concernAustralian
American Golden PloverPluvialis dominicaPluvialis dominicusPlovers, Dotterel and Lapwings (Charadriidae)CharadriiformesVagrantVagrant
Hooded PloverThinornis cucullatusThinornis rubricollisPlovers, Dotterel and Lapwings (Charadriidae)CharadriiformesVulnerableEndemic
RuffCalidris pugnaxPhilomachus pugnaxSnipe, Sandpipers, Godwits, Curlew, Stints and Phalaropes (Scolopacidae)CharadriiformesLeast concernVagrant
Broad-billed SandpiperCalidris falcinellusLimicola falcinellusSnipe, Sandpipers, Godwits, Curlew, Stints and Phalaropes (Scolopacidae)CharadriiformesLeast concernNon-breeding
Buff-breasted SandpiperCalidris subruficollisTryngites subruficollisSnipe, Sandpipers, Godwits, Curlew, Stints and Phalaropes (Scolopacidae)CharadriiformesVagrantVagrant
Grey PhalaropePhalaropus fulicariusPhalaropus fulicariaSnipe, Sandpipers, Godwits, Curlew, Stints and Phalaropes (Scolopacidae)CharadriiformesVagrantVagrant
Red-backed Button-quailTurnix maculosusTurnix maculosaButton-quail (Turnicidae)CharadriiformesLeast concernAustralian
South Polar SkuaCatharacta maccormickiStercorarius maccormickiSkuas and Jaegers (Stercorariidae)CharadriiformesVagrantVagrant
Brown SkuaCatharacta antarcticusStercorarius lonnbergiSkuas and Jaegers (Stercorariidae)CharadriiformesLeast concernAustralian
Sooty TernOnychoprion fuscatusOnychoprion fuscataGulls, Terns and Noddies (Laridae)CharadriiformesLeast concernAustralian
New Zealand Storm-PetrelFregetta maorianaOceanites maorianusSouthern Storm-Petrels (Oceanitidae)ProcellariiformesVagrantVagrant
Kerguelen PetrelAphrodroma brevirostrisLugensa brevirostrisPetrels and Shearwaters (Procellariidae)ProcellariiformesLeast concernNon-breeding
Striated HeronButorides striataButorides striatusHerons, Egrets and Bitterns (Ardeidae)PelecaniformesLeast concernAustralian
Cattle EgretBubulcus ibisArdea ibisHerons, Egrets and Bitterns (Ardeidae)PelecaniformesLeast concernAustralian
Australian White IbisThreskiornis moluccusThreskiornis moluccaIbis and Spoonbills (Threskiornithidae)PelecaniformesLeast concernAustralian
Imperial ShagPhalacrocorax atricepsLeucocarbo atricepsCormorants and Shags (Phalacrocoracidae)PelecaniformesNear threatenedAustralian
Buffy Fish-OwlKetupu ketupuBubo ketupuHawk-Owls (Strigidae)StrigiformesVagrantVagrant
Little KingfisherCeyx pusillusCeyx pusillaKingfishers (Alcedinidae)CoraciiformesLeast concernAustralian
Yellow-tailed Black-CockatooZanda funereusCalyptorhynchus funereusCockatoos and Corellas (Cacatuidae)PsittaciformesLeast concernEndemic
Baudin's Black-CockatooZanda baudiniiCalyptorhynchus baudiniiCockatoos and Corellas (Cacatuidae)PsittaciformesEndangeredEndemic
Carnaby's Black-CockatooZanda latirostrisCalyptorhynchus latirostrisCockatoos and Corellas (Cacatuidae)PsittaciformesEndangeredEndemic
GalahEolophus roseicapillaEolophus roseicapillusCockatoos and Corellas (Cacatuidae)PsittaciformesLeast concernEndemic
Major Mitchell's CockatooCacatua leadbeateriLophochroa leadbeateriCockatoos and Corellas (Cacatuidae)PsittaciformesLeast concernEndemic
Mulga ParrotPsephotellus variusPsephotus variusParrots, Lorikeets and Rosellas (Psittaculidae)PsittaciformesLeast concernEndemic
Hooded ParrotPsephotellus dissimilisPsephotus dissimilisParrots, Lorikeets and Rosellas (Psittaculidae)PsittaciformesLeast concernEndemic
Golden-shouldered ParrotPsephotellus chrysopterygiusPsephotus chrysopterygiusParrots, Lorikeets and Rosellas (Psittaculidae)PsittaciformesEndangeredEndemic
Rufous TreecreeperClimacteris rufusClimacteris rufaTreecreepers (Climacteridae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Black-tailed TreecreeperClimacteris melanurusClimacteris melanuraTreecreepers (Climacteridae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Macleay's HoneyeaterXanthotis macleayanusXanthotis macleayanaHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
White-eared HoneyeaterNesoptilotis leucotisLichenostomus leucotisHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Yellow-throated HoneyeaterNesoptilotis flavicollisLichenostomus flavicollisHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
White-gaped HoneyeaterStomiopera unicolorLichenostomus unicolorHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Yellow HoneyeaterStomiopera flavaLichenostomus flavusHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Graceful HoneyeaterMicroptilotis gracilisMeliphaga gracilisHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian
White-lined HoneyeaterMicroptilotis albilineataMeliphaga albilineataHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Bridled HoneyeaterBolemoreus frenatusLichenostomus frenatusHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Eungella HoneyeaterBolemoreus hindwoodiLichenostomus hindwoodiHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Singing HoneyeaterGavicalis virescensLichenostomus virescensHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Varied HoneyeaterGavicalis versicolorLichenostomus versicolorHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian
Mangrove HoneyeaterGavicalis fasciogularisLichenostomus fasciogularisHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Grey-headed HoneyeaterPtilotula keartlandiLichenostomus keartlandiHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Yellow-plumed HoneyeaterPtilotula ornataLichenostomus ornatusHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Grey-fronted HoneyeaterPtilotula plumulaLichenostomus plumulusHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Fuscous HoneyeaterPtilotula fuscaLichenostomus fuscusHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Yellow-tinted HoneyeaterPtilotula flavescensLichenostomus flavescensHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
White-plumed HoneyeaterPtilotula penicillataLichenostomus penicillatusHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Yellow-faced HoneyeaterCaligavis chrysopsLichenostomus chrysopsHoneyeaters and Chats (Meliphagidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Speckled WarblerPyrrholaemus sagittatusChthonicola sagittataThornbills and Gerygones (Acanthizidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Chestnut-rumped HeathwrenCalamanthus pyrrhopygiusCalamanthus pyrrhopygiaThornbills and Gerygones (Acanthizidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Shy HeathwrenCalamanthus cautusCalamanthus cautaThornbills and Gerygones (Acanthizidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Large-billed ScrubwrenSericornis magnirostraSericornis magnirostrisThornbills and Gerygones (Acanthizidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
ScrubtitAcanthornis magnaAcanthornis magnusThornbills and Gerygones (Acanthizidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
CicadabirdEdolisoma tenuirostrisCoracina tenuirostrisCuckoo-shrikes and Trillers (Campephagidae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian
Black ButcherbirdMelloria quoyiCracticus quoyiWoodswallows, Currawongs, Butcherbirds and Magpie (Artamidae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian
Australian MagpieGymnorhina tibicenCracticus tibicenWoodswallows, Currawongs, Butcherbirds and Magpie (Artamidae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian
Paradise RiflebirdLophorina paradiseusPtiloris paradiseusBirds of Paradise (Paradisaeidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Victoria's RiflebirdLophorina victoriaePtiloris victoriaeBirds of Paradise (Paradisaeidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Magnificent RiflebirdLophorina magnificusPtiloris magnificusBirds of Paradise (Paradisaeidae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian
Yellow-legged FlycatcherKempiella griseocepsMicroeca griseocepsAustralian Robins (Petroicidae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian
White-breasted RobinQuoyornis georgianusEopsaltria georgianaAustralian Robins (Petroicidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Mangrove RobinPeneothello pulverulentaPeneonanthe pulverulentaAustralian Robins (Petroicidae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian
Olive-backed SunbirdCinnyris jugularisNectarinia jugularisSunbirds (Nectariniidae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian
Gouldian FinchChloebia gouldiaeErythrura gouldiaeWeaver Finches (Estrildidae)PasseriformesNear threatenedEndemic
Tawny GrassbirdCincloramphus timoriensisMegalurus timoriensisGrassbirds (Locustellidae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian
Little GrassbirdPoodytes gramineusMegalurus gramineusGrassbirds (Locustellidae)PasseriformesLeast concernAustralian
SpinifexbirdPoodytes carteriEremiornis carteriGrassbirds (Locustellidae)PasseriformesLeast concernEndemic
Arctic WarblerSericercus borealisPhylloscopus borealisLeaf Warblers (Phylloscopidae)PasseriformesVagrantVagrant
Rosy StarlingPastor roseusSturnus roseusStarlings (Sturnidae)PasseriformesVagrantVagrant
Purple-backed StarlingAgropsar sturninusSturnus sturninusStarlings (Sturnidae)PasseriformesVagrantVagrant
Chestnut-cheeked StarlingAgropsar philippensisSturnus philippensisStarlings (Sturnidae)PasseriformesVagrantVagrant
Common MynaAcridotheres tristisSturnus tristisStarlings (Sturnidae)PasseriformesIntroducedIntroduced

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