Bird Seasonal Variation of the Montane Forest in the Quebrada del Portugués, Tucumán, Argentina

Abstract

The Quebrada del Portugués is an Important Bird Area (IBA) and is part of the Aconquija National Park. The sector studied corresponds to the District of the Montane Forests, which is characterized by its diversity. The aim of the present work was to know the composition and seasonal structure of the assemblage of birds that frequent a sector of that area. The 161 samplings were made at fixed radio points of 30 m and 15 minutes, where all the species seen or heard were recorded, from august to november 2014 and from february to june 2015. 93 species from 31 families and 16 orders were registered. The seasonal richness was 72 species for the dry periodi and 60 for the wet period. The most abundant along the year were Zonotrichia capensis, Turdus chiguanco, Mecocerculus leucoprhrys, Cypseloides rostchildi and Vanellus chilensis. Six species observed are considered Globally Endangered: Vultur gryphus, Cypseloides rosthchildi, Scytalopus superciliaris, Elaenia strepera, Cinclus schulzii and Atlapetes citrinellus. From this first survey of a sector of montane forests, it would give an indication of the biological potential that this protected area has for the entire region added to the fact that it is part of the new Aconquija National Park . It would be important to carry out seasonal, long-term studies in their different environments, which would allow for an adequate management and conservation plan.