Synchronic east–west divergence in azure-winged magpies (Cyanopica cyanus) and magpies (Pica pica) *

摘要: Morphometric and genetic analyses were performed to investigate the relationships between populations of azure-winged magpie (Cyanopica cyanus). In morphometric analysis 193 specimens included representing seven nine currently accepted subspecies. Among eight characters analysed, four showed significant differences samples from Spain Asia. contrast, Asian populations/subspecies are not differentiated morphologically except Cyanopica cyanus japonica. The was based on two mitochondrial sequences (control region, cytochrome b gene). results in accordance with analysis, showing a clear distinction birds western eastern distribution ranges. differentiation C. c. japonica is found at sequence level. Both morphological data support species status cooki. (Pica pica) phylogenetic study for comparing intraspecific variation. As cyanus, clearly separated groups found, one them containing far-eastern pica jankowskii Pica sericea) other remaining subspecies studied. For both imply an east–west differentiation, probably caused by long lasting isolation that may have even started Pliocene or repeated expansions/restrictions ranges during Pleistocene.