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While the news may have gone under the radar of anyone without an interest in bird watching, in 2016 scientists announced the discovery of a new avian species: Zoothera salimalii, the Himalayan Forest Thrush. Named in honour of the late Indian ornithologist Dr Salim Ali, whose extensive contributions to research have been invaluable to the base of scientific knowledge of birds, the species is found in China and Northern India. The Himalayan Forest Thrush is only the fourth new species to be discovered in India in the last 70 years. Sharp-eared Scientists In 1999 a team of sharp-eared international scientists, led by Swedish Professor Per Alström, noticed that the known species of Plain-backed Thrush (Zoothera mollissima) in the higher rugged elevations sounded quite different from their counterparts who lived in the forests. They determined that the former had a much harsher, somewhat raspy tone, while the latter, found below the tree line, were much more melodic and tuneful. Discovering the Differences Because the forest-dwelling thrush is notoriously elusive, it was, at first, difficult for scientists to learn whether there were in fact any physical differences between the two - as on the surface their plumage and anatomy are very similar. It wasn't until several years of research, DNA analysis and painstaking comparison studies between the wild birds and specimens from 15 different museums that physical and genetic differences between the two were confirmed. A Few Million Years of Separation What scientists discovered from DNA analysis was that while the two different birds had come from the same ancestor, they had been breeding entirely separately for at least several million years. To put in it context, Professor Alström likened their genetic evolution and relationship to that of humans and chimpanzees. The reasons for the split in breeding most likely occurred as an adaptation to surviving in their very different habitats – for example, the forest bird has shorter legs than the alpine bird, as longer legs are more of a physical benefit in open or mountainous habitats. Aside from the difference in leg length, the alpine species also has a longer tail. Diverging the Species: One Becomes Three Based on past research and comparisons, scientists agreed that the alpine species was the original Zoothera mollissima, while the "new" forest species became Zoothera salimalii. In another twist, however, during the course of fieldwork in China they discovered a third population of thrush in fact deserved reclassification from sub-species to its own species. The Chinese bird too has a different song, as well as being both physically and genetically divergent from the other two. The third species was given the name Zoothera griseiceps – the Sichuan Forest Thrush. Important Discoveries Today, finding new avian species is a rarity, with most of the discoveries over the past decade coming from South America. But a spokesperson from the British Trust for Ornithology has reiterated the importance of such discoveries and on-going research, as being vital to the future conservation of wildlife and habitat. Bird Watching Tours For those with an interest in travelling to different parts of the world to encounter the wildlife, dedicated bird watching tours are the most practical way of gaining the best sightings in their known natural habitat. Led by experienced naturalists and ornithologists, well-organised bird watching tours also contribute in a positive way, by bringing attention to the conservation issues faced by avian species around the world. Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer with a special interest in bird watching. As a passionate lover of birds, Marissa chooses the expert-led bird watching tours organised by Naturetrek, which have brought her unforgettable sightings of a wide range of wildlife in some of the most spectacular regions on Earth.
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