[Ornithology • 2020] Untangling Cryptic Diversity in the High Andes: Revision of the Scytalopus [magellanicus] complex (Rhinocryptidae) in Peru reveals Three New Species

New Scytalopus taxa from the Peruvian Andes. 

(Upper left) Adult male and female of Jalca Tapaculo, Scytalopus frankeae from Huánuco. 

(Upper right) Male Scytalopus frankeae from Junín. 

(Lower left) Adult males of Ampay Tapaculo, Scytalopus whitneyi (left from Apurímac, right from Ayacucho). 

(Lower right) Adult male (top) and female (below) of White-winged Tapaculo, Scytalopus krabbei. 

in Krabbe, Schulenberg, Hosner, Rosenberg, Davis, et al., 2020. 

DOI: 10.1093/auk/ukaa003  twitter.com/CDanielCadena

Watercolor painting by Jon Fjeldså.

Abstract

Tropical mountains feature marked species turnover along elevational gradients and across complex topography, resulting in great concentrations of avian biodiversity. In these landscapes, particularly among morphologically conserved and difficult to observe avian groups, species limits still require clarification. One such lineage is Scytalopus tapaculos, which are among the morphologically most conserved birds. Attention to their distinctive vocal repertoires and phylogenetic relationships has resulted in a proliferation of newly identified species, many of which are restricted range endemics. Here, we present a revised taxonomy and identify species limits among high-elevation populations of Scytalopus tapaculos inhabiting the Peruvian Andes. We employ an integrated framework using a combination of vocal information, mitochondrial DNA sequences, and appearance, gathered from our own fieldwork over the past 40 yr and supplemented with community-shared birdsong archives and museum specimens. We describe 3 new species endemic to Peru. Within all 3 of these species there is genetic differentiation, which in 2 species is mirrored by subtle geographic plumage and vocal variation. In a fourth species, Scytalopus schulenbergi, we document deep genetic divergence and plumage differences despite overall vocal similarity. We further propose that an extralimital taxon, Scytalopus opacus androstictus, be elevated to species rank, based on a diagnostic vocal character. Our results demonstrate that basic exploration and descriptive work using diverse data sources continues to identify new species of birds, particularly in tropical environs.

Keywords: integrated taxonomy, Neotropics, systematics, tapaculo, vocalizations

New Scytalopus taxa from the Peruvian Andes.
(Upper left) Adult male and female of Jalca Tapaculo, Scytalopus frankeae from Huánuco. (Upper right) Male Scytalopus frankeae from Junín.
(Lower left) Adult males of Ampay Tapaculo, Scytalopus whitneyi (left from Apurímac, right from Ayacucho). (Lower right) Adult male (top) and female (below) of White-winged Tapaculo, Scytalopus krabbei.

Watercolor painting by Jon Fjeldså.

Scytalopus krabbei sp. nov. 

[T. S. Schulenberg, D. F. Lane, A. J. Spencer, F. Angulo, and C. D. Cadena] 

White-winged Tapaculo

Etymology: The modern knowledge of the systematics of Scytalopus, including recognition of a level of diversity in the genus that would have astounded earlier generations of ornithologists, is largely due to Niels K. Krabbe, through his careful and thorough research both in the field and in the collection. Having himself contributed to the descriptions of no fewer than 7 new taxa of Scytalopus, we take great pleasure in taking the opportunity to name this new species in honor of our friend and colleague. The proposed English name refers to the small patch of white on the wing coverts, a feature—otherwise unusual in tapaculos—that is present on all known S. krabbei specimens.

Scytalopus frankeae sp. nov. 

[K. V. Rosenberg, T. J. Davis, G. H. Rosenberg, P. A. Hosner, M. B. Robbins, T. Valqui, and D. F. Lane] 

Jalca Tapaculo

Etymology: We are pleased to name this new tapaculo in honor of Dr. Irma Franke, our friend, colleague, former curator of the bird collection at the MUSM, and a major contributor to Peruvian ornithology for over 30 yr. It is especially fitting to name this taxon after her because she participated in the Millpo expedition that discovered the bird in 1985. The recommended English name uses a local Peruvian term for puna and páramo habitat (“jalca”) that has tussock grasses as a primary component, which was the habitat primarily used by the species at the type locality (although less so in Junín). Colloquially, this species has been called Millpo Tapaculo. However, we consider this name to be inappropriate, primarily because Millpo is now known to be at the geographic periphery of the range of the species. Our proposed English name is more reflective of the habitat of S. frankeae throughout its distribution.

Scytalopus whitneyi sp. nov. 

[N. K. Krabbe, J. Fjeldså, P. A. Hosner, M. B. Robbins, and M. J. Andersen] 

Ampay Tapaculo

Etymology: We take the opportunity to honor our friend and colleague Bret M. Whitney for his outstanding contributions to Neotropical ornithology over the past 3 decades. Bret’s keen eyes and ears, and his insightful attention to vocalizations and natural history, have given us a much greater understanding of variation and species limits in several challenging groups of tropical birds, and particularly in Scytalopus. The recommended English name refers to Bosque Ampay, the only protected area where the species occurs.

Niels K. Krabbe, Thomas S. Schulenberg, Peter A. Hosner, Kenneth V. Rosenberg, Tristan J. Davis, Gary H. Rosenberg, Daniel F. Lane, Michael J. Andersen, Mark B. Robbins, Carlos Daniel Cadena, Thomas Valqui, Jessie F. Salter, Andrew J. Spencer, Fernando Angulo and Jon Fjeldså. 2020. Untangling Cryptic Diversity in the High Andes: Revision of the Scytalopus [magellanicus] complex (Rhinocryptidae) in Peru reveals Three New Species. The Auk. ukaa003. DOI: 10.1093/auk/ukaa003 

 twitter.com/CDanielCadena/status/1231964157869776896

facebook.com/AvianReport/photos/2561094907469756

 facebook.com/TristanDavis391/posts/10222364830614451

 facebook.com/IrmaFranke/posts/10219966254680222

RESUMEN: Las zonas montañosas tropicales se caracterizan por un alto grado de reemplazo de especies a través de gradientes altitudinales y de topografías complejas, lo cual se manifiesta en una alta concentración de diversidad aviar. En estos paisajes, particularmente en grupos aviares con morfología conservada y difíciles de observar, los límites entre especies aún requieren ser aclarados. Uno de estos linajes es el género Scytalopus, que reúne a algunas de las aves con morfología más conservada. Estudios enfocados en las diferencias en repertorio vocal y relaciones filogenéticas han conducido a una proliferación de descripciones de especies nuevas, muchas de las cuales son endémicas con distribuciones muy restringidas. Presentamos una revisión taxonómica e identificamos límites de especies entre poblaciones de Scytalopus de grandes elevaciones de los Andes peruanos. Empleamos un enfoque integrado que combina información de vocalizaciones, de secuencias de ADN mitocondrial y de caracteres del plumaje.

Los datos fueron obtenidos mediante nuestro trabajo de campo en los últimos 40 años, complementados con información de archivos de sonidos y especímenes de museo. Describimos tres nuevas especies endémicas de Perú. Dentro de las tres existe diferenciación genética, que en dos casos se asocia con variación geográfica sutil en plumaje y vocalizaciones. Documentamos que en una cuarta especie, Scytalopus schulenbergi, existe divergencia genética profunda y variación en plumaje a pesar de que las poblaciones son similares vocalmente en general. Además, proponemos que un taxón de otra región, Scytalopus opacus androstictus, se eleve al rango de especie, con base en un carácter vocal diagnóstico. Nuestros resultados demuestran que las exploraciones básicas y un trabajo descriptivo basado en fuentes de datos diversos sigue permitiendo identificar nuevas especies de aves, particularmente en ambientes tropicales.

[Ornithology • 2018] Oreotrochilus cyanolaemus • A Striking, Critically Endangered, New Species of Hillstar (Trochilidae: Oreotrochilus) from the southwestern Andes of Ecuador

Oreotrochilus cyanolaemus

Sornoza-Molina, Freile, Nilsson, Krabbe & Bonaccorso, 2018

Adult male (above left, center right), adult female (below), and immature male (above right)
at the type locality, El Oro province, southwest Ecuador. 

 DOI:  10.1642/AUK-18-58.1

Illustration: Paul Greenfield 

ABSTRACT

We describe a new species of the genus Oreotrochilus from the southwestern Andes of Ecuador. The new species is most similar in adult male plumage to O. stolzmanni and O. chimborazo. However, male and female show unique combinations of plumage characters that are likely to act as social signals. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial DNA indicate that this new taxon is closely related to O. stolzmanni and O. melanogaster, whereas genetic distances and preliminary comparisons of vocalizations suggest a sister relationship with O. stolzmanni. The geographic distribution of the new species seems to be restricted to cordillera Chilla-Tioloma-Fierro Urcu, in the southwestern highlands of Ecuador, an area historically poorly explored by ornithologists. Thus, based on its restricted distribution, apparently low population size, and lack of protection of its habitat, we evaluate it as critically endangered.

Keywords: Andes, Oreotrochilus, southwest Ecuador, sp. nov., Trochilidae

Oreotrochilus cyanolaemus sp. nov.

Blue-throated Hillstar / Estrella de Garganta Azul (Spanish)

Holotype: Study skin MECN-9614; adult male (testes 3.7 × 3 mm, no bursa fabricii), 1 km W of Cerro de Arcos, El Oro province; 3,648 m a.s.l.; collected on May 23, 2017, by F. Sornoza-Molina, J. Freile, and J. Nilsson; prepared by F. Sornoza-Molina; field catalogue number AVES-0319; GenBank accession number MH543324.

FIGURE 1. Series of Oreotrochilus cyanolaemus species nova collected at Cerro de Arcos, El Oro province, southwest Ecuador, May 23, 2017:
(A) holotype, (B) paratopotype male, (C) paratopotype females, (D) paratype males.

Diagnosis: The following combination of characters are diagnostic for male Oreotrochilus cyanolaemus from other Oreotrochilus species (Figure 4): (1) ultramarine blue throat, (2) emerald green head with blue green terminal tips, (3) emerald green upperparts with blue green terminal tips, (4) narrow and faint emerald green terminal tips to throat feathers. Females are distinguished by the following characters: (1) dusky grayish chin and upper throat contrasting with whitish lower throat, (2) emerald green head with blue green terminal tips, (3) emerald green upperparts with faint blue green shine, especially on the rump.

....

Etymology: The compound specific epithet is a Latinized Greek noun in apposition (ICZN 1999) and describes the most distinctive character of the new species: its deep to ultramarine blue (kuanos) throat patch or gorget (laimos = throat).

Francisco Sornoza-Molina, Juan F. Freile, Jonas Nilsson, Niels Krabbe and Elisa Bonaccorso. 2018. A Striking, Critically Endangered, New Species of Hillstar (Trochilidae: Oreotrochilus) from the southwestern Andes of Ecuador [Una sorprendente y críticamente amenazada especie nueva de estrella (Trochilidae: Oreotrochilus) de los Andes suroccidentales de Ecuador]. The Auk. 135(4);1146-1171. DOI:  10.1642/AUK-18-58.1

Newly discovered hummingbird species already critically endangered  phys.org/news/2018-09-newly-hummingbird-species-critically-endangered.html via @physorg_com

 twitter.com/AukJournal/status/1044971594303426560

  

Una sorprendente y críticamente amenazada especie nueva de estrella (Trochilidae: Oreotrochilus) de los Andes suroccidentales de Ecuador 

RESUMEN: Describimos una nueva especie del género Oreotrochilus de los Andes suroccidentales de Ecuador. Esta nueva especie se asemeja en plumaje de macho adulto a O. stolzmanni y O. chimborazo. Sin embargo, macho y hembra muestran una combinación única de características de plumaje que probablemente actúan como señales sociales. Los análisis filogenéticos basados en ADN mitocondrial muestran que la nueva especie está más emparentada con O. stolzmanni y O. melanogaster, mientras que las distancias genéticas y un análisis preliminar de vocalizaciones sugieren que es especie hermana de O. stolzmanni. La distribución geográfica de esta nueva especie está al parecer confinada a las cordilleras de Chilla-Tioloma-Fierro Urcu, en los Andes del suroeste de Ecuador, en un área históricamente poco explorada desde el punto de vista ornitológico. En base a su distribución muy restringida, aparente bajo tamaño poblacional y la falta de protección en sus hábitats, la calificamos como críticamente amenazada.

Palabras clave: Oreotrochilus, sp. nov., Trochilidae, Andes, suroccidente de Ecuador

[Ornithology • 2018] Myrmoderus eowilsoni • A New Species of Antbird (Passeriformes: Thamnophilidae) from the Cordillera Azul, San Martín, Peru

Myrmoderus eowilsoni 

Moncrieff, Johnson, Lane, Beck, Angulo & Fagan, 2018

DOI: 10.1642/AUK-17-97.1 

AmericanOrnithologyPubsBlog.org

ABSTRACT

We describe a distinctive new species of antbird (Passeriformes: Thamnophilidae) from humid montane forest (1,340–1,670 m above sea level) of the Cordillera Azul, San Martín Region, Peru. Plumage, voice, and molecular evidence distinguish this species from its sister taxon Myrmoderus ferrugineus (Ferruginous-backed Antbird), which is found in lowland Amazonian rainforests of the Guiana Shield and Madeira-Tapajós interfluvium. The new species is presently known only from one ridge in the Cordillera Azul, and therefore we recommend further fieldwork to better estimate its distribution and population size.

Keywords: Myrmeciza, Myrmoderus, new species, outlying ridges, taxonomy

A male Cordillera Azul Antbird.

Photo: A. Spencer

FIGURE 2 Ventral (A) and lateral (B) views of both species of Myrmoderus.
 Left to right: male M. eowilsoni (CORBIDI 12381; holotype), female M. eowilsoni (CORBIDI 12380; mate of holotype), male M. ferrugineus (LSUMZ 178458), and female M. ferrugineus (LSUMZ 178456). Scale bars = 5 cm.

Myrmoderus eowilsoni, species novum
Cordillera Azul Antbird
Hormiguero de la Cordillera Azul (Spanish)

Diagnosis: We assign Myrmoderus eowilsoni to the genus Myrmoderus on the basis of its combination of black ear coverts, extensively rufous brown plumage, and blackish wing coverts with broad white or buff tips (see Isler et al. 2013). Additional characters shared with M. ferrugineus include bluish bare orbital skin, gray feet and tarsi, lack of white interscapular patch, and terrestrial walking behavior. Despite these similarities, it is readily distinguishable from M. ferrugineus by (1) crown and nape color, (2) supercilium color, (3) extent of bare orbital skin, (4) belly color, (5) breast color (females), and (6) song (Figures 2 and 3). Compared to M. ferrugineus, the new species has a colder brown crown and nape, a gray rather than white supercilium, and less extensive bluish bare orbital skin. The belly of M. eowilsoni is black (males) or dark brown (females), whereas both sexes of M. ferrugineus show substantial white in this area. Additionally, females of M. eowilsoni have a rufous breast, whereas females of M. ferrugineus have a black breast (Figure 2A). The song differs substantially from M. ferrugineus by having fewer notes and a slower pace.

Etymology: We name Myrmoderus eowilsoni in honor of Dr. Edward Osborne Wilson to recognize his tremendous devotion to conservation and his patronage of the Rainforest Trust, which strives to protect the most imperiled species and habitats in the Neotropics and across the globe. We select the English name to draw attention to the little known but biogeographically important and biodiverse mountain range that contains the type locality of the species.

Andre E. Moncrieff, Oscar Johnson, Daniel F. Lane, Josh R. Beck, Fernando Angulo and Jesse Fagan. 2018. A New Species of Antbird (Passeriformes: Thamnophilidae) from the Cordillera Azul, San Martín, Peru [Una nueva especie de hormiguero (Passeriformes: Thamnophilidae) de la Cordillera Azul, San Martín, Perú]. The Auk.  135(1); 114-126. DOI: 10.1642/AUK-17-97.1

RESUMEN: Describimos una nueva y distintiva especie de hormiguero (Passeriformes: Thamnophilidae) de los bosques montanos húmedos (1,340–1,670 metros sobre el nivel del mar) de la Cordillera Azul, región de San Martín, Perú. El plumaje, la voz, y la evidencia molecular distinguen a esta especie de su taxón hermano Myrmoderus ferrugineus (Hormiguero Lomirrufo), el cual se encuentra en los bosques tropicales amazónicos de llanura del Escudo Guyanés y el interfluvio Madeira-Tapajós. A esta nueva especie se le conoce en la actualidad únicamente de una cresta de la Cordillera Azul, y por lo tanto, recomendamos mayor investigación de campo para poder estimar mejor su distribución y el tamaño de su población.

Palabras clave: cadenas montañosas aisladas, Myrmeciza, Myrmoderus, nueva especie, taxonomía

New antbird species discovered in Peru

 phys.org/news/2017-12-antbird-species-peru.html

 AmericanOrnithologyPubsBlog.org/2017/12/14/author-blog-a-new-species-of-antbird/

New Bird Species Named for E.O. Wilson, “Father of Biodiversity” and Rainforest Trust Board Me…  rainforesttrust.org/news/new-bird-species-named-father-biodiversity-rainforest-trust-board-member-dr-e-o-wilson/   @rainforesttrust

[Ornithology • 2017] Scytalopus alvarezlopezi • A New Species of Tapaculo (Rhinocryptidae: Scytalopus) from the Western Andes of Colombia

Scytalopus alvarezlopezi 

 Stiles, Laverde & Cadena, 2017

Tatamá Tapaculo |  DOI:  10.1642/AUK-16-205.1  

ABSTRACT

We describe Scytalopus alvarezlopezi from the Western Andes of Colombia. The new species forms part of a distinctive clade of Scytalopus tapaculos (Rhinocryptidae) that also includes S. robbinsi from Ecuador and S. stilesi and S. rodriguezi, which occur on the Central and Eastern Andes of Colombia. S. alvarezlopezi is easily diagnosable from its near relatives by its song and mitochondrial DNA; differences in plumage exist but are more subtle. The species inhabits dense understory vegetation on the floors and lower slopes of ravines in cloud forest at elevations of 1,300 to 2,100 m. On the Pacific slope, its altitudinal distribution is sandwiched between those of S. chocoensis (below) and S. vicinior (above); the latter in turn is replaced higher up by S. spillmanni and S. latrans, but S. alvarezlopezi also occurs at ∼2,000–2,100 m on eastern slopes just below the low ridgeline. All of the latter species are distinguished by vocal and plumage characters. Marked sexual differences in plumage exist in stilesi, but females have yet to be collected for alvarezlopezi and rodriguezi. We consider that S. alvarezlopezi is not threatened at present, but could be potentially vulnerable due to its restricted distribution; it is endemic to Colombia.

Keywords: Colombia, endemic species, new species, ecology, vocalizations

FIGURE 1. (A, B) Two views of the paratype of Scytalopus alvarezlopezi upon capture at Cerro Montezuma, Mpo. Pueblo Rico, Dpto. Risaralda, Colombia, April 2, 2015. Note the overall dark coloration with blurry, dark rufous barring on the flanks and crissum. (C) The striking pattern of the mouth lining of the paratype. The tongue, commissure, and center of the mandible are white, the lateral portions of the mandible are black. The mouth lining has not been described for any other tapaculo, but might provide a useful character for distinguishing species.

Photos by J. Heavyside. 

@AukJournal DOI:  10.1642/AUK-16-205.1 

Etymology. We take pleasure in naming this species in honor of Humberto Alvarez-López, the ‘‘dean of Colombian ornithology,’’ for his many contributions to the knowledge and study of this country’s birds over nearly half a century. Humberto was professor of ornithology at the Universidad del Valle for nearly 4 decades and helped train several of Colombia’s foremost ornithologists and conservationists; in 1979 he founded in Cali the first local ornithological society in Colombia, an example soon followed by other cities in the country, and long edited and wrote for its journal. His book Introducción a las Aves de Colombia, published in 1979, was instrumental in making the observation of birds accessible to students and the public at large in Colombia, and arguably spearheaded the development of field ornithology in the country. In 1987 Humberto was president of the third Neotropical Ornithological Congress, the only one to be held in Colombia. He painstakingly translated Hilty’s monumental Guide to the Birds of Colombia into Spanish and was a founding member of the Asociación Colombiana de Ornitología, serving for more than 10 years as president and member of its governing body, where his sage advice on difficult matters often has been decisive. ¡Muchas gracias, ‘‘Maestro’’! 

We suggest the English name of Tatamá  Tapaculo for S. alvarezlopezi because the majority of localities for this species are in the middle sector of the Western Andes near the border between Risaralda and Choco Departments, in ´ which the most prominent and best-known mountain is Cerro Tatamá, the center of Tatama´ National Park; Cerro Montezuma is in the park’s buffer zone, Pisones is also within ~7 km of the park boundary, and CDC and OLR have found this species in several sites within the park itself. 

F. Gary Stiles, Oscar Laverde-R. and Carlos Daniel Cadena. 2017. A New Species of Tapaculo (Rhinocryptidae: Scytalopus) from the Western Andes of Colombia. [Una nueva especie de tapaculo (Rhinocryptidae: Scytalopus) de la Cordillera Occidental de Colombia] The Auk. 134(2); 377-392.  DOI:  10.1642/AUK-16-205.1 

ResearchGate.net/publication/314162705_A_new_species_of_tapaculo_Rhinocryptidae_Scytalopus_from_the_Western_Andes_of_Colombia

B.C. student helps discover new bird species in Colombia http://www.cbc.ca/1.4009260

https://twitter.com/AukJournal/status/837013981403344896

RESUMEN: Describimos Scytalopus alvarezlopezi de la cordillera Occidental de los Andes colombianos. Esta nueva especie forma parte de un clado bien definido de tapaculos del género Scytalopus (Rhinocryptidae) que también incluye a S. robbinsi de Ecuador y S. stilesi y S. rodriguezi, las cuales están presentes en las cordilleras Central y Oriental de los Andes colombianos. S. alvarezlopezi es fácilmente diagnosticable en comparación con sus parientes por sus vocalizaciones y ADN mitocontrial; también hay diferencias en plumaje pero son más sutiles. La especie habita en el sotobosque denso de los fondos y lados de barrancos en bosque nuboso entre elevaciones de 1,300 y 2,100 m. Sobre la vertiente del Pacífico, la distribución altitudinal de alvarezlopezi está entre las de chocoensis (hacia abajo) y vicinior (hacia arriba); más arriba, vicinior es reemplazado por spillmanni y S. latrans; sin embargo, alvarezlopezi alcanza localmente elevaciones de 2,100 m o más sobre la vertiente oriental de algunos filos bajos justo por debajo de la cima. Todas estas especies se distinguen por vocalizaciones y plumaje. Existen differencias en plumaje entre los sexos de stilesi, pero aun falta recolectar hembras de rodriguezi y alvarezlopezi. Consideramos que actualmente S. alvarezlopezi no está amenazado, pero debido a su distribución restringida, potencialmente podría considerarse vulnerable; es una especie endémica a Colombia.

Palabras clave: Colombia, ecología, especie endémica, nueva especie, vocalizaciones

[Ornithology • 2015] The Enigmatic Black Tinamou Tinamus osgoodi: Do Distribution, Climate, and Vocalizations Reveal More Than One Species?

 Black Tinamou Tinamus osgoodi 

in Alto Fragua National Park, Colombia [8 February 2014] 
 photo: Pablo J. Negret   flickr.com 

 DOI:  10.1642/AUK-14-183.1

ABSTRACT

The Black Tinamou (Tinamus osgoodi) is a rare species with 2 recognized subspecies distributed locally. This is one of the most poorly known tinamous; few sound recordings exist, and few behavioral or sighting records are found in the literature or in ornithological databases. We compiled all the information on its geographic distribution and climate to provide a greater understanding of its current distribution. We also compiled all available sound recordings of the species in order to perform bioacoustic analyses to evaluate differences between subspecies. The 2 subspecies seem to be isolated by an ample distance, and each inhabits an area with a distinct climate. We also found some differences between their vocalizations. Future work should consider reevaluating the taxonomic status of the 2 subspecies. Conservation status of the resulting taxa must be reassessed, although more information on their ecology and natural history is needed.

Keywords: South America, species limit, Tinamidae, Tinamus osgoodi, vocalizations

RESUMEN: Tinamus osgoodi es una especie rara y muy local con dos subespecies reconocidas. Es uno de los tinamús menos conocidos: hay pocas observaciones de su comportamiento en la literatura, pocas grabaciones de su canto y muy pocos registros en las bases de datos ornitológicas. Recopilamos toda la información de su distribución geográfica y clima para entender mejor su distribución actual. Adicionalmente buscamos todas las grabaciones de sonido disponibles de la especie para determinar si existen diferencias entre las subespecies. Las dos subespecies parece están aisladas por una distancia considerable para un tinamú y habitan áreas con características climáticas distintas. Adicionalmente existen muchas diferencias entre sus vocalizaciones. Futuras investigaciones deben reevaluar el estatus taxonómico de las dos subespecies. El estado de conservación de los taxones resultantes debe ser reevaluado, y mas información de la historia natural y ecología para las dos formas es necesaria.

Palabras clave: América del sur, limites de especie, Tinamidae, vocalizaciones

Pablo Jose Negret and Oscar Laverde-R. 2015. The Enigmatic Black Tinamou: Do Distribution, Climate, and Vocalizations Reveal More Than One Species? [El enigmatico Tinamus osgoodi : su distribucion, caractersiticas climaticas y vocalizacion revelan mas de una especie?].
The Auk. 132(1); 132-139. DOI:  10.1642/AUK-14-183.1

 twitter.com/AukJournal/status/758346371581607936

[Ornithology • 2016] Genomic Variation Across the Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) Species Complex

The four forms of Yellow-rumped Warbler, Setophaga coronata, have distinct breeding ranges, with a narrow hybrid zone between Myrtle and Audubon's in western Canada. The researchers suggest that Myrtle, Audubon's and Goldman's are separate species. It's equivocal whether Black-fronted should be treated as a separate species or a subspecies of Audubon's. 

Image by David Toews.    AllAboutBirds.org    

DOI: 10.1642/AUK-16-61.1

 ABSTRACT

Populations that have experienced long periods of geographic isolation will diverge over time. The application of high-throughput sequencing technologies to study the genomes of related taxa now allows us to quantify, at a fine scale, the consequences of this divergence across the genome. Throughout a number of studies, a notable pattern has emerged. In many cases, estimates of differentiation across the genome are strongly heterogeneous; however, the evolutionary processes driving this striking pattern are still unclear. Here we quantified genomic variation across several groups within the Yellow-rumped Warbler species complex (Setophaga spp.), a group of North and Central American wood warblers. We showed that genomic variation is highly heterogeneous between some taxa and that these regions of high differentiation are relatively small compared to those in other study systems. We found that the clusters of highly differentiated markers between taxa occur in gene-rich regions of the genome and exhibit low within-population diversity. We suggest these patterns are consistent with selection, shaping genomic divergence in similar genomic regions across the different populations. Our study also confirms previous results relying on fewer genetic markers that several of the phenotypically distinct groups in the system are also genomically highly differentiated, likely to the point of full species status.

Keywords: evolutionary genomics, hybridization, gene flow, genotyping-by-sequencing, speciation, natural selection

The Myrtle form breeds in eastern and northern North America. The male's white throat distinguishes it from the three other forms, along with other differences.  

Photo by Kelly Colgan Azar via Birdshare.  flic.kr/p/bMAM4V

David P. L. Toews, Alan Brelsford, Christine Grossen, Borja Milá, and Darren E. Irwin. 2016. Genomic Variation Across the Yellow-rumped Warbler Species Complex  [Variación genómica a través del complejo de especies de Setophaga coronata]. The Auk. 133(4); 698-717.  DOI: 10.1642/AUK-16-61.1

'Butterbutt' warbler is likely three different species, DNA reveals http://phy.so/391335540 via @physorg_com

Goodbye, Yellow-Rump: Will We See A Return To Myrtle And Audubon’s Warblers?

 allaboutbirds.org/goodbye-yellow-rump-will-we-see-a-return-to-myrtle-and-audubons-warblers/

RESUMEN: Las poblaciones que han experimentado largos periodos de aislamiento geográfico se diferenciarán con el paso del tiempo. La aplicación de tecnologías de secuenciación de alto rendimiento para el estudio de los genomas de taxones relacionados ahora nos permite cuantificar a escala fina las consecuencias de esta divergencia s través del genoma. Luego de numerosos estudios emerge un patrón notable: en muchos casos los estimados de diferenciación a través del genoma son fuertemente heterogéneos. Sin embargo, los procesos evolutivos que gobiernan este patrón aún no son claros. En este estudio cuantificamos la variación genómica a través de varios grupos dentro del complejo de especies de Setophaga coronata, un grupo de reinitas de Norte y Centroamérica. Mostramos que la variación genómica es altamente heterogénea entre algunos de los taxones y que las regiones de alta diferenciación son relativamente pequeñas en comparación con otros sistemas de estudio. Encontramos que las agrupaciones de marcadores áltamente diferenciados entre taxones se encuentran en regiones del genoma ricas en genes y también muestran baja diversidad intrapoblacional. Sugerimos que estos patrones son consistentes con un efecto de procesos de selección natural sobre la divergencia genómica en regiones genómicas similares a través de las diferentes poblaciones. Nuestro estudio también confirma resultados previos basados en pocos marcadores genéticos en los que se determinó que muchos de los grupos fenotípicamente distintos en este sistema también están áltamente diferenciados en sus genomas, probablemente al punto en que pueden ser consideradas con el estatus de especie.

Palabras clave: especiación, flujo genético, genómica evolutiva, genotipado por secuenciación, hibridación, selección natural

D. P. L. Toews, A. Brelsford and D. E. Irwin. 2014. Isotopic variation across the Audubon's–Myrtle warbler hybrid zone. Journal of Evolutionary Biology. 27(6); 1179-1191. DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12392 

[PaleoOrnithology • 2016] Mioneophron longirostris • A New Old World Vulture from the late Miocene of China sheds light on Neogene shifts in the past Diversity and Distribution of the Gypaetinae

Mioneophron longirostris 

 Li, Clarke, Zhou & Deng, 2016
  DOI: 10.1642/AUK-15-240.1 

ABSTRACT

Neogene fossils of Old World vultures (Aegypiinae and Gypaetinae) are known from both Old World and New World records. There are no extant Old World vultures in the Americas today, although a large diversity of Gypaetinae is known from Miocene to late Pleistocene records. Despite a comparatively large number of North American gypaetine fossils, complete specimens have rarely been reported from Eurasia and Africa. We describe the exceptional skeleton of a new gypaetine vulture from the late Miocene deposits of the Linxia Basin in northwestern China. The specimen is the oldest record of Gypaetinae from Eurasia or Africa. A reexamination of the geographic and temporal distribution of most Old World vultures from Neogene deposits indicates a diverse radiation, coincident with early- to mid-Miocene grassland expansion for Gypaetinae. Although the diversification of Aegypiinae has been linked to the transition from C3 to C4 grassland, Gypaetinae diversification predates that transition in both North America and Asia. A shift in the known latitudinal distribution is also noted. Neogene records of Old World vultures are found primarily in mid- and high-latitude regions of North America and Eurasia as well as in the middle and low latitudes of Eurasia and Africa. With very few records in the middle to late Miocene, a latitudinal distribution similar to that of extant species is first seen in the early Pliocene. The new fossil provides further temporal constraints on avian subclade diversification. It is also consistent with an emerging pattern of profound recent shifts in avian diversity and distribution more generally.

Keywords: extinction, fossil, Gypaetinae, Linxia, Old World vulture

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

AVES Linnaeus, 1758

ACCIPITRIDAE Vieillot, 1816

Gypaetinae Vieillot, 1816

Mioneophron longirostris, gen. et sp. nov. (Figures 1–4)

Holotype: HMV 1877: A nearly complete skeleton (Figure 1) preserved in yellow-brownish siltstone with carbonate cementation. The proximal right tarsometatarsus and distal left tarsometatarsus have been rearranged after collection (illustrated as dark gray regions in Figure 1). Some bones have been fabricated and others recomposed in a wrong position (e.g., pedal digits). The left distal humerus is reconstructed with plaster and the proximal right tarsometatarsus appears to be a proximal tibiotarsal fragment, without any definite clue to its affinity. The position of the hallux opposite of where it should be in the right pes is one indication that the pedal digits were recomposed.

Locality and horizon: The holotype was collected from Baihua Village, Zhuangheji Town, Guanghe County, in Gansu Province, northwestern China (Figure 5: star), in the Upper Miocene Liushu Formation, Linxia Basin. All currently known fossil birds in the Linxia Basin are from the same unit, which is characterized by a distinct matrix lithology (Deng et al. 2013). The bird fossils have been acquired from local farmers and collectors. The holotype specimen is archived in the Hezheng Paleozoological Museum, Gansu Province, China.

Etymology: The genus name, “Mioneophron,” references the Miocene age and the proposed affinity of the new specimen with Neophron. The adjectival species name, longirostris, references an elongate rostrum.

Diagnosis: Mioneophron longirostris can be differentiated from all other gypaetine and aegypiine vultures by the unique presence of a combination of the following features: a long and narrow rostrum with small oval-shaped nares (Figure 1), a well-projected and globose humeral head and distinct caudal ridge on the margin of the deltopectoral crest, a much longer ulna than tibiotarsus (ratio = 1.45), and a distinct groove between the dorsal iliac ridges (Figure 2).

Systematic placement of the new species

The new species shares several features with gypaetine vultures, including the relatively weakly projected transverse nuchal crest on the basicranium as well as the broad humeral deltopectoral crest. It also has fewer cervical vertebrae (14, vs. 15–17 in Aegypiinae; Rich 1980, Holdaway 1994), and the postacetabular ilia are incompletely fused to the sacrum (Figure 4; Jollie 1976, 1977a, 1977b, 1977c), both of which are features consistent with gypaetine vultures. However, Mioneophron has a wider deltopectoral crest than aegypiine vultures, a deeper humeral capital incisure, a gentler bicipital crest, and a shorter mandibular symphysis. Furthermore, unlike in aegypiine vultures, no pneumatic foramina are present on the proximal surface of the pisiform process of the carpometacarpus (Manegold et al. 2014). The medial hypotarsal crest is slightly higher than that of the lateral one in the cranial view, whereas in Aegypius, Trigonoceps, and Torgos the 2 hypotarsal crests are very similar in height.

 Zhiheng Li, Julia A. Clarke, Zhonghe Zhou and Tao Deng. 2016. A New Old World Vulture from the late Miocene of China sheds light on Neogene shifts in the past diversity and distribution of the Gypaetinae.  The Auk. 133(4); 615-625. DOI: 10.1642/AUK-15-240.1

ResearchGate.net/publication/305485663_A_new_Old_World_vulture_from_the_late_Miocene_of_China_sheds_light_on_Neogene_shifts_in_the_past_diversity_and_distribution_of_the_Gypaetinae

http://www.uua.cn/show-10-7577-1.html

RESUMEN: Los fósiles del Neógeno de buitres del Viejo Mundo (Aegypiinae y Gypaetinae) se conocen de localidades en el Viejo y el Nuevo Mundo. Actualmente no existen buitres del Viejo Mundo en las Américas, aunque se conoce una gran diversidad de Gypaetinae a partir de registros del Mioceno al Pleistoceno tardío. A pesar de un número comparativamente grande de fósiles de Gypaetinae en Norte América, los reportes de especímenes completos en Eurasia y África son raros. En este trabajo describimos el esqueleto excepcional de un nuevo buitre gypaetino de los depósitos del Mioceno tardío de la cuenca Linxia en el noreste de China. El espécimen es el registro más viejo de Gypaetinae de Eurasia o África. La reevaluación de la distribución geográfica y temporal de la mayoría de los buitres del Viejo Mundo en depósitos del Neógeno indica una radiación diversa que coincide con la expansión de las praderas durante el Mioceno temprano a medio. Aunque la diversificación de Aegypiinae ha sido relacionada con la transición de praderas C3 a praderas C4, la diversificación de Gypaetinae precede esa transición en Norte América y Asia. También notamos un cambio en la distribución latitudinal. Los registros del Neógeno de buitres del Viejo Mundo se encuentran principalmente en regiones de latitud media y alta en Norte América y Eurasia, y también en regiones de latitud media y baja en Eurasia y África. Con tan pocos registros en el Mioceno medio a tardío, una distribución latitudinal similar a la de las especies actuales sólo se ve inicialmente en el Plioceno temprano. El nuevo fósil impone más restricciones temporales en la diversificación de subclados de aves. También es consistente con un patrón emergente de cambios profundos recientes en la diversidad y distribución de las aves en general.

Palabras clave: buitres del Viejo Mundo, extinción, fósil, Gypaetinae, Linxia

[Ornithology • 2016] Phenotypic and Genetic Analysis support Distinct Species Status of the Red-backed Woodpecker (Lesser Sri Lanka Flameback: Dinopium psarodes) of Sri Lanka

FIGURE 2. Color variation of Dinopium flamebacks in Sri Lanka:
(A) crimson-red plumage (Dinopium psarodes) (image courtesy of V. Weeratunge), (B) reddish-orange form, (C) orange form,(D) orange-yellow form, (E) orange/reddish mantle, (F) golden-yellow plumage (Dinopium benghalense jaffnense) (image courtesy of V. Weeratunge), and
(G) variation of back color in Dinopium flamebacks in the national collection (image courtesy of the Department of National Museums, Sri Lanka).

Fernando, Irwin & Seneviratne. 2016.  DOI: 10.1642/AUK-15-233.1 

Abstract

Hybridization has challenged taxonomy, since hybridizing forms could be stable evolutionary entities or ephemeral forms that are blending together. The island of Sri Lanka has 2 subspecies of the flameback woodpecker D. benghalense: D. b. jaffnense in the north and D. b. psarodes in the south. Red plumage separates the endemic phenotype D. b. psarodes from other subspecies of D. benghalense. Despite these differences, intermediate phenotypes in north-central Sri Lanka discouraged the elevation of D. b. psarodes into a full species. The recent HBW and BirdLife International checklist, however, has elevated D. b. psarodes to a full species (D. psarodes), primarily based on its plumage. To objectively evaluate whether this taxonomic elevation is warranted, we examined the phenotypic and genetic affinities of D. psarodes within the D. benghalense cluster. In doing that we provide the first quantitative phenotypic and genetic analysis across a hybrid zone for an Old World woodpecker group. We sampled woodpeckers along a line transect across the island and measured body shape/size, plumage, and genetic variation in a mitochondrial gene (Cytb). Plumage color ranged from red in the south to yellow in the north, with varying proportions of orange in north-central Sri Lanka (an area of ~66 km). Morphology (body shape/ size) and plumage characters showed a clear separation. There are 2 mitochondrial haplotype groups, one in the north and one in the south. A mixture of north and south haplotypes were seen in north-central Sri Lanka. Width of the hybrid zone suggests that some form of selection limits the spread of hybrids into the range of parental forms. Morphological, plumage, and genetic traits are all indicative of limited hybridization in a narrow zone between the 2 taxa, supporting the treatment of D. psarodes as a distinct species. This study provides an illustrative example of extensive hybridization between stable taxonomic entities, discouraging the practice of merging hybridizing forms as single species.

 Keywords: Dinopium benghalense, island endemicity, flameback woodpeckers, hybridization, hybrid zone, speciation, Sri Lanka

 Saminda P. Fernando, Darren E. Irwin and Sampath S. Seneviratne. 2016. Phenotypic and Genetic Analysis support Distinct Species Status of the Red-backed Woodpecker (Lesser Sri Lanka Flameback: Dinopium psarodes) of Sri Lanka.
The Auk. 133(3); 497-511. DOI: 10.1642/AUK-15-233.1

ResearchGate.net/publication/304416655_Phenotypic_and_genetic_analysis_support_distinct_species_status_of_the_Red-backed_Woodpecker_Lesser_Sri_Lanka_Flameback_Dinopium_psarodes_of_Sri_Lanka

RESUMEN: La hibridación es desafiante para la taxonomía puesto que las formas que hibridan pueden ser entidades evolutivamente estables o formas efímeras que se están mezclando. La isla de Sri Lanka tiene dos subespecies de Dinopium benghalense; D. b. jaffnense en el norte y D. b. psarodes en el sur. El plumaje rojo separa el fenotipo endémico de D. b. psarodes del de otras subespecies de D. benghalense. A pesar de estas diferencias, la existencia de fenotipos intermedios en el centro-norte de Sri Lanka previno la elevación de D. b. psarodes al estatus de especie. Sin embargo, la lista más reciente del Handbook of Birds of the World y Birdlife International elevó a D. b. psarodes al rango de especie (D. psarodes) basándose principalmente en el plumaje. Para evaluar objetivamente si se justifica este cambio taxonómico, examinamos las afinidades genéticas y fenotípicas de D. psarodes en el grupo de D. benghalense. Al hacerlo, presentamos el primer análisis cuantitativo fenotípico y genético a través de una zona de hibridación de un carpintero del viejo mundo. Muestreamos carpinteros a lo largo de un transecto que atravesaba la isla y medimos el tamaño y la forma del cuerpo, el plumaje y la variación genética en un gen mitocondrial (Cytb). El color del plumaje varió de rojo en el sur a amarillo en el norte, con naranja en diferentes proporciones en el centro-norte de Sri Lanka (un área de ~66 km). Los caracteres morfológicos (tamaño y forma del cuerpo) y del plumaje mostraron una separación clara. Existen dos grupos de haplotipos mitocondriales, uno en el norte y otro en el sur. Se vio una mezcla de haplotipos del norte y del sur en el centro-norte de Sri Lanka. El ancho de la zona de hibridación sugiere que alguna forma de selección limita la dispersión de los híbridos hacia la zona de distribución de las formas parentales. Todos los rasgos morfológicos, genéticos y del plumaje indican que existe hibridación limitada entre los dos taxones en una zona estrecha, lo que apoya el estatus de especie de D. psarodes. Este estudio presenta un ejemplo ilustrativo de hibridación extensa entre entidades taxonómicas estables, lo que desaconseja la práctica de unir formas que hibridan en una sola especie.

Palabras clave: Dinopium benghalense, endémicos de islas, especiación, hibridación, Sri Lanka, zona híbrida

[Ornithology • 2016] Reproductive Biology of the Sapayoa Sapayoa aenigma, the “Old World suboscine” of the New World

A Sapayoa Sapayoa aenigma emerges from its nest in the Panamanian rainforest.  

photos: J.M. Hite

  DOI: 10.1642/AUK-16-5.1 

ABSTRACT

The Sapayoa (Sapayoa aenigma), a low-density resident of Chocó rainforests from Panama to Ecuador, has long perplexed ornithologists. It was originally described as a manakin (Pipridae), but molecular work has revealed its closest living relatives to be Old World suboscines (Eurylaimides) and supported its placement in the monotypic family of Sapayoidae. Despite such phylogenetic intrigue, little is known about the Sapayoa's general life history or reproductive biology; only one nest has been described. We present information on 2 actively attended and 13 inactive Sapayoa nests in Darién National Park, Panama. We provide the first detailed description of individual effort at an active nest, family group dynamics during the nesting period, the plumage of immature birds, and the range of vocalizations produced. We also present the first documentation of cooperative breeding and compile several recent nesting observations, extending the published Sapayoa breeding period by several months. Furthermore, we describe unusual behaviors among provisioning birds, including mounting between individuals of the same sex and mounting of a female by immature male helpers during chick provisioning. The receiving individual gave a conspicuous solicitation display before each mounting. Finally, we highlight elements of the Sapayoa's natural history that echo its Old World relatives and contrast with members of the New World Tyranni. For example, the Sapayoa resembles the eurylaimid broadbills—and differs starkly from the manakins—in diet, nest structure, breeding system, and mode of parental care.

Keywords: cooperative breeding, helpers, mounting, Old World suboscines, Sapayoa aenigma, Sapayoidae

Sapayoa aenigma, Nusagandi, Panama 

photo: Jan Axel 

wikipedia.org  |  JanBirdingBlog.blogspot.com

Sarah A. Dzielski, Benjamin M. Van Doren, Jack P. Hruska, and Justin M. Hite. 2016. Reproductive Biology of the Sapayoa (Sapayoa aenigma), the “Old World suboscine” of the New World [Biología reproductiva de Sapayoa aenigma, el “suboscín del Viejo Mundo” que habita el Nuevo Mundo]. The Auk. 133(3); 347-363. DOI: 10.1642/AUK-16-5.1

Field Study Helps Confirm The Sapayoa Is Like No Other Bird In The New World

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/field-study-helps-confirm-the-sapayoa-is-like-no-other-bird-in-the-new-world/

An Old World bird in a New World rainforest http://phy.so/380909066 via @physorg_com

The Sapayoa, a rainforest bird from Central and South America, is an evolutionary enigma—genetic analysis shows that its closest relatives are bird species living across the ocean in Asia and Africa. Now, new research in The Auk: Ornithological Advances demonstrates for the first time that its natural history links it to its evolutionary relatives thousands of miles away.

How the Sapayoa ended up so far from other members of its lineage remains a mystery, and little is known about its reproductive biology or social behavior. However, new field work in Panama by Sarah Dzielski and Benjamin Van Doren of Cornell University and their colleagues reveals that Sapayoas consistently build nests that hang over the water along ravine-bottom streams. One of the active nests they observed was attended by a family group comprised of an adult male and female and two immature males, all four of which brought food to the two chicks. The researchers were surprised by the social behavior they observed, which included mounting between individuals of the same sex, possibly to establish dominance and maintain social cohesion.

These are the first extended observations of Sapayoa breeding behavior, and they provide hints at how this unusual bird is connected with its roots. Many of the Sapayoa's Old World relatives are cooperative breeders, getting help from family groups, and the pear-shaped hanging nest also is consistent with Old World "suboscines," the group of birds to which Sapayoas belong.

Dzielski, Van Doren, and their colleagues Jack Hruska and Justin Hite searched for Sapayoa nests as part of an expedition to Panama's Darién National Park in summer 2014, observing the family group at their focal nest for more than 70 hours over ten days. "Nest searching was always an adventure," says Dzielski. "We found countless abandoned nests, and while checking inside for eggs or evidence that the nest was active, we found all sorts of surprises. In a few instances, a large grasshopper the size of a mouse hopped out from under the flap and scared the daylights out of us!"

"The Sapayoa is so different from other passerine birds that it is currently placed in its own family, Sapayoidae, but relatively little is known about its natural history," adds Van Doren. "This gap in scientific knowledge was the reason we traveled to eastern Panama to learn about this enigmatic species. We hoped that more information about the Sapayoa's natural history would cast its surprising evolutionary relationships in a new and clearer light."

"The Sapayoa has long been a mystery bird. When my colleagues and I identified it as the only Old World suboscine in the New World in 2003, it only became more mysterious," says Jon Fjeldså of the University of Copenhagen, who led the research team that first identified the Sapayoa's unusual origins. "How did it arrive in South America? Why does it resemble a manakin? And does it still behave like an Old World suboscine? I am excited to learn that it indeed does!"

RESUMEN

Sapayoa aenigma, un ave residente en bajas densidades en los bosques húmedos del Chocó desde Panamá hasta Ecuador, ha confundido a los ornitólogos por bastante tiempo. Aunque la especie originalmente fue descrita como un saltarín (Pipridae), estudios moleculares recientes revelaron que sus parientes más cercanos son los suboscinos del viejo mundo (Eurylaimides) y sustentan su ubicación en la familia monotípica Sapayoidae. A pesar de esta intriga filogenética se sabe muy poco sobre la historia de vida o la biología reproductiva de Sapayoa; sólo se ha descrito un nido. En este trabajo presentamos información de 2 nidos activos y 13 nidos inactivos de Sapayoa encontrados en el Parque Nacional Darién, Panamá. Presentamos la primera descripción detallada del esfuerzo individual en un nido activo, la dinámica del grupo familiar durante el periodo de anidación, el plumaje de las aves inmaduras y el repertorio de vocalizaciones. También presentamos la primera evidencia de cría cooperativa y recopilamos varias observaciones recientes de anidación que extienden el periodo reproductivo conocido de Sapayoa en varios meses. Además describimos comportamientos inusuales entre las aves que proveen alimento a sus crías, incluyendo la monta entre individuos del mismo sexo y entre un individuo joven y una hembra adulta durante la alimentación de los polluelos. El individuo que recibía la monta ejecutaba antes un despliegue para solicitarla. Finalmente, resaltamos elementos de la historia natural de Sapayoa que se asemejan a las de sus parientes del Viejo Mundo y contrastan con las de miembros de Tyranni en el Nuevo Mundo. Por ejemplo, Sapayoa se asemeja a los Eurylaimidae (y difiere drásticamente de los Pipridae) en dieta, estructura de los nidos, sistema reproductivo y modo de cuidado parental.

Palabras clave: ayudantes del nido, cría cooperativa, monta, Sapayoa aenigma, Sapayoidae, suboscines del viejo mundo