Chaco sparrow explained

The Chaco sparrow (Rhynchospiza strigiceps), formerly known as the stripe-capped sparrow, is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae. It is found in Argentina and Paraguay.^[1]

Taxonomy and systematics

The current Chaco sparrow was originally one of two subspecies of the then stripe-capped sparrow (Aimophila strigiceps). A 2009 publication restored the genus Rhynchospiza and moved A. stolzmanii and A. strigiceps to that genus. A 2019 publication split Rhynchospiza dabbenei from R. strigiceps.^{[2] [3]} Based on the 2019 publication, in June 2020 the South American Classification Committee (SACC) of the American Ornithological Society (AOS) split R. dabbenei as the Yungas sparrow and renamed R. strigiceps sensu stricto as the Chaco sparrow. The International Ornithological Congress (IOC) followed suit in January 2021.^{[4] [1]}

Description

The Chaco sparrow is the smaller of the two former subspecies that were split. Its upper parts are light brown with darker streaks and varying amounts of rust and gray. It is pale gray below blending to buff on the flanks. The head is gray with cinnamon crown and postocular stripes, pale lores, and a black moustachial stripe.^{[5] [3]}

Distribution and habitat

The Chaco sparrow is a partial migrant found in the Gran Chaco region from south-central Paraguay into north-central Argentina. This low elevation biome (up to 1000m (3,000feet)) is characterized by subtropical and tropical dry forests and shrubland.^{[3] [5]}

Vocalization

The Chaco sparrow's song is complex trills that contrast with the Yungas sparrow's series of chirps.^[3]

Status

The IUCN has evaluated the Chaco sparrow sensu lato as of Least Concern.

Notes and References

1. Web site: IOC World Bird List (v 11.1) . Gill . F. . Donsker. D.. Rasmussen . P. . January 2021 . January 14, 2021 .
2. DaCosta, J. M., G. M. Spellman, P. Escalante, and J. Klicka. 2009. A molecular systematic revision of two historically problematic songbird clades: Aimophila and Pipilo. J. Avian Biology 40:206-216
3. Areta. Juan I.. Depino. Emiliano A.. Salvador. Sergio A.. Cardiff. Steven W.. Epperly. Kevin. Holzmann. Ingrid. 2019-10-01. Species limits and biogeography of Rhynchospiza sparrows. Journal of Ornithology. en. 160. 4. 973–991. 10.1007/s10336-019-01695-2. 199473089. 2193-7206.
4. Remsen, J. V., Jr., J. I. Areta, E. Bonaccorso, S. Claramunt, A. Jaramillo, D. F. Lane, J. F. Pacheco, M. B. Robbins, F. G. Stiles, and K. J. Zimmer. Version 19 January 2021. A classification of the bird species of South America. American Ornithological Society. http://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCBaseline.htm retrieved January 19, 2021
5. Jaramillo, A. (2020). Stripe-capped Sparrow (Rhynchospiza strigiceps), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.stcspa1.01 retrieved April 23, 2021