On Distributional History of Bullfinches (Pyrrhula, Passeriformes, Aves)

Over the past hundred years, constant uncertainty has been observed in establishing the taxonomic status of individual forms of bullfinches, which has existed throughout the history of their study. Lack of information has hindered almost all researchers who worked on bullfinches from coming to generally accepted conclusions. Even the use of molecular genetic methods has not changed the situation. To analyze the current situation, we have considered three key publications that serve as a basis for the modern understanding of the history of phylogenetic interactions of closely related forms of the bullfinch genus Pyrrhula in the process of their evolution. It is proposed to re-evaluate the hitherto accumulated data and taxonomic system of the genus based on current knowledge and new approaches to research. A reconstruction of the historical events in the distribution of bullfinches is advanced. Alternative variants and additional tools for determining the pathways of distribution, as well as the periods and mechanisms of their formation, are discussed.