African Blue Tit (Cyanistes teneriffae)

Previously considered conspecific with C. caeruleus, which in HBW included races ultramarinus and cyrenaicae; however, on multiple lines of evidence, including molecular#R#R and acoustic#R, these two races clearly belong with present species, all taxa of which differ from C. caeruleus by their blackish-blue vs pale blue crown and nape (3); broader, blacker collar and adjoining throat-patch contrasting with whiter forehead and face (2); darker upperparts (mid-blue or, in ombriosus, dull mid-green vs pale green) (1); longer bill (effect size in random 10 male specimens representing five races each 3.7, score 2); and different songs (allow at least 2). Distinctiveness of race degener weak, and genetic evidence places it within ultramarinus#R#R, although these two and indeed all other races have been suggested for species rank#R. Seven subspecies recognized.