A new subspecies of Red-backed Thrush Zoothera erythronota kabaena subsp. nov. (Muscicapidae: Turdidae), from Kabaena island, Indonesia

A new subspecies of Red-backed Thrush Zoothera erythronota (Sclater 1859), Zoothera erythronota kabaena subsp. nov., is described from Kabaena island in Indonesia. The adult plumage of nine specimens captured at two localities on Kabaena island, and other individuals seen in the field, differs consistently and significantly from that of the nominate subspecies on Sulawesi, which lies 18 km north of Kabaena island. Variation in the nominate subspecies and rationale for the choice of taxonomic rank for this new taxon are discussed. The known vocalisations, ecology, behaviour, distribution and habitat of the taxon are described and its conservation status discussed. Zoothera erythronota kabaena is known from forest and forest edge habitats on Kabaena island, where it can be locally common