Distribution and abundance of four species of endemic birds of the Monte in Catamarca and La Rioja, Argentina

Abstract

The avifauna of the Monte ecoregion is one of the least explored arid ecosystems. Asthenes steinbachi, Pseudoseisura gutturalis ochroleuca, Teledromas fuscus, and Poospiza ornata, found in this environment, are endemic to Argentina and have been categorized as vulnerable at the national level. The goal of this study is to update their distribution and provide information on their presence in the provinces of Catamarca and La Rioja, and on their abundance and natural history. In Catamarca, we conducted 203 belt transects, 82 point fixed radio, and 50 hs of random observations, recording 58 Teledromas fuscus, 20 Pseudoseisura gutturalis ochroleuca, and 2 Poospiza ornata. In La Rioja, we performed 308 belt transects and 20 hs of random observations, identifying 17 Asthenes steinbachi, 18 Pseudoseisura gutturalis ochroleuca, 12 Teledromas fuscus, and 16 Poospiza ornata. In addition, we reviewed specimens from the Ornithological Collection of the Fundación Miguel Lillo (COFML), Tucumán, and we performed a bibliography search to complete the information. New localities were identified and data on abundance and biology for these four endemic species of Catamarca and La Rioja are provided, relating this information to data from the collection and literature. This study may help future investigations which need to establish conservation categories for endemic species of the Monte.