Grey-sided Flowerpecker (Dicaeum celebicum)

Race talautense has been flagged for species rank on account of strong differences in plumage (illustrated and outlined in HBW), but these apparently based on a single male specimen in NHMUK which is evidently unrepresentative. Race kuehni has been judged to hold species rank#R on basis of genetic differences; differs in its larger size (from published data effect size for wing of males 3.57, score 2); slightly blue-washed purplish upperparts (1); greater extent of frontal red (1); and paler grey flanks (1). Race sulaense distinctive with its mainly olive underparts (3), but other differences unknown. Further study needed to clarify situation of the various taxa. Five subspecies recognized.