Genomic insights into the taxonomy and migration of the Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii

Abstract

The Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii inhabits eucalypt savannas, rainforests and mangroves across its distribution in Australasia. Two Australian subspecies are consistently recognised but the taxonomic status of resident New Guinean populations is unsettled. Genomic data from populations sampled across the species’ Australian and New Guinean ranges support the recognition of resident New Guinean populations at the subspecies level as T. m. elisabeth. Further work is required to examine island populations that remain unsampled genetically and to place the species in a broader phylogenetic analysis of Todiramphus kingfishers. We also report genetically based detection of a migrant individual in New Guinea either from eastern Australia or the Trans-Fly region of southern New Guinea. Our study provides a first insight into how genetic diversity is structured within this species across its range. It highlights remaining areas for study and illustrates the potential of DNA sequence data in tracking migratory movements of the species.