Genetic confirmation of the species status of Jabouilleia naungmungensis

Species assessment of allopatric taxa is problematic. Here we consider the case of the Naung Mung Scimitar Babbler (Jabouilleia naungmungensis) from northern Myanmar. This bird was recognized as a new species in its original description, but was subsequently considered to be a subspecies of J. danjoui. We review the procedures used to make this assessment, and consider them in light of morphological (significantly different bill and hallux claw lengths) and new genetic (7.0% genetic distance, cytochrome b) information. Based on this reconsideration, taking acoustic information into account, we conclude that the data unequivocally confirm the recognition of J. naungmungensis as a full species.