Mate recognition systems and species limits in a warbling-finch complex (Poospiza nigrorufa/whitii)

JORDAN E., ARETA JI, HOLZMANN INGRID

EMU

CSIRO PUBLISHING

Año: 2017 p. 344 - 358

0158-4197

Species limits in the Poospiza nigrorufa/whitii complex are not well understood. Three taxa formally<br />described as species are now considered as subspecies (nigrorufa, whitii and wagneri) of a widespread<br />species. The heavier nigrorufa has longer bill, tarsus and wings, is slightly dimorphic with<br />males showing tawny rufous throat, breast and flanks, and brownish grey upper parts with a slate<br />tinge, while females differ in the orange tinge of ventral parts and in the more olivaceous upper<br />parts; inhabits shrubby open areas and wetlands with reeds and bulrushes in eastern southern<br />South America, and gives a simple three-note pattern that repeats to form the song and diagnostic<br />calls. The lighter whitii (including wagneri as a synonym) has a shorter bill, tarsus and wings, is<br />highly dimorphic with males having dark chestnut throat, breast and flanks, and slate upper parts,<br />while females exhibit tawny pale-orange ventral parts, and olivaceous light-brown upper parts;<br />inhabits closed to semi-closed xerophytic to semi-humid scrub and woodlands in the western<br />highlands, and has a complex multi-noted song and diagnostic calls. Reciprocal playback experiments<br />indicate that both taxa are able to discriminate each other?s songs. Locality data and<br />ecological niche modelling show that nigrorufa and whitii are narrowly allopatric or parapatric in<br />central Córdoba province (Argentina).This integrative evidence and the ~2.5% divergence in<br />mtDNA show that nigrorufa and whitii possess different Specific Mate Recognition Systems and<br />should be afforded full species status under any species concept.