Seram golden bulbul

The Seram golden bulbul (Hypsipetes affinis) is a species of songbird in the family Pycnonotidae. It is endemic to the Moluccas. Until recently, it was considered conspecific with the northern golden bulbul and the Buru golden bulbul. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.

Taxonomy and systematics

The Seram golden bulbul was originally classified in the genus Criniger, and has also been classified in the genera Hypsipetes, Ixos, and Alophoixus. Alternate names for the Seram golden bulbul include the golden bulbul and Moluccan bulbul.

Subspecies

Two subspecies are currently recognized:

Hypsipetes affinis affinis - <small>(Hombron & Jacquinot, 1841)</small>: Found on Seram
Ambon golden bulbul (Hypsipetes affinis flavicaudus) - <small>(Bonaparte, 1850)</small>: Originally described as a separate species in the genus Trichophorus (a synonym for Criniger). Found on Ambon Island

References

Rheindt, F.E., and R.O. Hutchinson. 2007. A photoshot odyssey through the confused avian taxonomy of Seram and Buru (southern Moluccas). BirdingASIA 7: 18Ã¢ÂÂ38.