.--In Bolivia in 1992 I tape-recorded and observed several individuals of an undescribed tapaculo of the systematically complex genus Scytalopus in humid-temperate forest near the city of La Paz. During March 1993, Bolivian colleagues and I collected a series of the undescribed taxon from two geographically distinct regions of Depto. La Paz, and confirmed its presence as far south as Prov. Chapare, Depto. Cochabamba. The new species, the Diademed Tapaculo (Scytalopus schulenbergi), is described and its distribution and vocalizations are compared with some other members of the genus, mostly in Bolivia. I reexamine systematics of the magellanicus group and, based primarily upon striking and consistent vocal differences across the North Peruvian Low in northwestern Peru, I recommend its division into two superspecies with the names magellanicus (southern populations) and griseicollis (northern populations). Received 22 July 1993, accepted 20 Feb. 1994.
The genus Scytalopus spans the entire range of the Andes (as well as
the mountains of southern Central America and the mountains and iso-
lated serras of eastern Brazil southward to Misiones, Argentina), and ap-
pears to have undergone a particularly complex speciation (Zimmer 1939;
Fjeldsfi and Krabbe 1990; Arctander and Fjeldsfi, in press; T Schulenberg
and N. Krabbe, pers. comm.). That Scytalopus has not colonized pan-
tepui probably reflects poor dispersal capability, a factor that has contrib-
uted to a rapid and diverse speciation in the geographically complex An-
des. The informative accounts of Scytalopus taxa in Fjeldsfi and Krabbe
(1990) represent the first comprehensive treatment of the genus in the
Andes, and provide the first organized insight into the several species
groups and multiple lower taxa involved (see Vielliard 1990 for a recent
Field Guides Incorporated, EO. Box 160723, Austin, Texas 78716-0723.
585
586 THE WILSON BULLETIN ß Vol. 106, No. 4, December 1994
treatment of Brazilian taxa). A great deal of confusion persists, however,
and the relationships of many taxa remain obscure. The complexity of
recognition of the various forms within Scytalopus is perceptually con-
founded by a general lack of understanding of the manner in which taxa
segregate behaviorally and spatially. These complexities derive from sev-
eral sources. First, Scytalopus inhabits an incredibly wide latitudinal and
elevational distribution, with one or more members on virtually every
slope of every cordillera, which inherently introduces limitations to the
resolution of data because adequate collections from many Andean lo-
calities, even those relatively accessible ones, do not and may never exist.
Secondly, Scytalopus displays only minor differentiation mensurally (Ta-
ble 1) or in plumage, with many (all?) species showing age-related plum-
age variation (species may take several years to attain definitive plumage;
Fjeldsfi and Krabbe 1990:422) that is usually greater than interspecific
variation; its taxonomy is based upon types sometimes lacking reliable
locality and/or elevational data, and always lacking vocal data, such that
some existing names may be of dubious application to other specimens,
especially those taken any distance from the type locality; additionally,
Scytalopus comprises more species-level taxa than currently recognized,
probably considerably more (Fjeldsfi and Krabbe 1990:422; Arctander and
Fjeldsfi, in press; T Schulenberg, N. Krabbe, and D. Storz, pers. comm.,
pers. obs.); more than one species occurs at many localities, sometimes
syntopically; and Scytalopus tapaculos are notoriously difficult to observe
in the field owing to the dense understory vegetation frequented by most
species, and the skulking nature of the birds; finally, because many of the
species sing at long and unpredictable intervals, it is difficult to adequately
tape-record full, unsolicited songs for comparative purposes.
Given these realities, the complexities of species limits in Scytalopus
may be resolved in large measure when it is recognized that (1) at no
known locality does more than one species of Scytalopus inhabit habitats
above the natural local treeline (well away from the ecotone with the
forest); (2) at the vast majority of localities, no more than two species of
Scytalopus occur in the same habitat at the same elevation (this is es-
pecially true when the very large, possibly generically distinct S. macro-
pus is considered separately); (3) bands of species overlap are narrow
with respect to the width of the local elevational distribution of the species
involved; (4) symmetrical white markings on the head are probably im-
portant plumage characters (T Schulenberg and N. Krabbe, pers. comm.);
and that (5) songs and scolds are highly stereotypical within local pop-
ulations, and seem to be reliable indicators of taxonomic limits in this
suboscine genus (Fjeldsfi and Krabbe 1990; Vielliard 1990; Arctander and
Fjeldsfi, in press), although slight vocal differences (but often no plumage
Whitney ß A NEW SCYTALOPUS FROM BOLIVIA 587
588 THE WILSON BULLETIN ß Vol. 106, No. 4, December 1994
divergence) within taxa may be observed across natural habitat breaks
(pers. obs.).
Because plumage appears to be more conservative (and certainly more
confusing) than voice, and because vocal differences appear to be cor-
related closely with genetic differences (Arctander and Fjeldsfi, in press),
I suspect that species limits within Scytalopus will be settled as satisfac-
torily by the correlation of habitat, elevation, and the presence of certain
recurrent geographic barriers with marked vocal shifts, as by any other
approach. Molecular analyses will eventually allow a test of the vocal
and morphological data to the extent that molecular material is accom-
panied by specimens that also have been tape-recorded.
In February 1992, while conducting an avifaunal survey in humid-
temperate forest on the east slope of the Andes just over the pass from
the capital city of La Paz, Bolivia, I heard, tape-recorded, and saw an
apparently undescribed Scytalopus tapaculo. In March 1993, together with
Omar Rocha O. of the Museo Nacional de Historia Natural in La Paz, I
obtained a series of this form, and made further tape recordings docu-
menting various of its vocalizations. Consideration of this tapaculo's dis-
tribution, vocalizations and, to a lesser extent, plumages, informed
through examination of currently recognized species limits in the genus
Scytalopus both in Bolivia and elsewhere in the Andes, convinces me that
it is a new taxon best described as a new species, which I propose to
name:
Scytalopus schulenbergi sp. nov.
DIADEMED TAPACULO
HOLOTYPE.--Colecci6n Boliviana de Fauna (hereafter CBF) No. 2636; subadult male
from about 4 km west of Chuspipata along the main road between La Paz and Coroico
("Cotapata" of Remsen 1985), 16ø19'S, 67ø51'W, 3215 m, Province of Nor Yungas, De-
partment of La Paz, Bolivia; 28 March 1993; collected by Bret M. Whitney. Voice specimen
archived at Library of Natural Sounds (hereafter LNS), Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca,
New York: LNS No. 63427. Blood sample housed at Zoological Museum, Univ. of Copen-
hagen, Denmark (hereafter ZMUC).
DIAGNOSIS.PIumage: A typical member of the genus Scytalopus, showing little sex-
ual dimorphism and significant age-related plumage variation. Adults distinguished from
most congeners, including the sympatric S. [magellanicus] acutirostris (see below for no-
menclature) and S. 'unicolor' parvirostris, by silvery-white, transverse crescent on fore-
crown (hereafter called "diadem"; Frontispiece, Fig. IA; this and other photos to be ar-
chived at VIREO, Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia). Adults are most similar
to S. argentifrons of Costa Rica and western Panama, differing in more silvery-whitish
throat, and duller and less extensive brownish color and absence of distinct dark spots and/
or bars on the flanks and undertail coverts, and differ from other taxa having a diadem
(unnamed taxon in Depto. Pasco, Peru; unnamed taxon in Depto. Cuzco, Peru) by the
aforementioned characters, by generally darker coloration (which may, however, be due to
Whitney ß A NEW SCYTALOPUS FROM BOLIVIA 589
FIG. 1. Andes of extreme southern Peru south to central Bolivia, showing known local-
ities for Scytalopus schulenbergi. 1. Valc6n, Depto. Puno, Peru; 2. Pelechuco, Depto. Franz
Tamayo, Bolivia; star, type locality (Cotapata), Depto. La Paz; 3. Prov. Chapare, Depto.
Cochabamba. Broken line is Peru/Bolivia borden Dotted line is continental divide.
fading; see below), by longer tail (Table 1), and by absence of roughly concentric, alternating
light and dark internal markings paralleling the margins of the rectrices. Adults further
distinguished from S. [m.] acutirostris by the plain grayish tail (all ages of the latter show
dark bars or other dark internal markings on the rectrices).
Juveniles are distinguished from Scytalopus argentifrons by generally paler coloration,
and by much finer dark markings on individual feathers of head and body such as to appear
barred throughout, lacking the scalloped pattern produced by wide, dark subapical lunules
of argentifrons. They also appear to be distinguishable from [m.] acutirostris by dark sub-
apical pattern of individual feathers of underparts: marked with a bar curving proximally to
reach the feather margin in schulenbergi; marked with a wholly internal, teardrop-shaped
band surrounding the feather shaft completely, enclosing a light-colored region along at least
the distal portion of the shaft, in [m.] acutirostris. Differs from 'unicolor' parvirostris by
grayer crown to upper back of that species, and by the same individual feather characteristics
of [m.] acutirostris described above, only heightened in degree in 'unicolor' parvirostris by
the greater width of these dark markings. Juveniles of schulenbergi having clearly barred
central rectrices (as opposed to those marked with roughly concentric dark bands) may be
distinguishable from both the latter two species by the presence of 7-8 thin dark bars as
opposed to 3-5, relatively wider bars of the other two species. A larger sample will aid
considerably in establishing the diagnosability of juvenal plumages.
DIAGNOSIS.--Voice: Full songs are distinguishable from those of all known congeners
by the pattern of the first three or four seconds taken together with the overall duration of
590 THE WILSON BULLETIN ß Vol. 106, No. 4, December 1994
the song (see sonagram figures). The scold and some other vocalizations are not 100%
diagnosable.
DISTRIBUTION.--Known from as far north as Valc6n, 14ø16'S, 69ø24'W, 3000 m, De-
partment of Puno, Peru to as far south as approximately 16ø30'S, 65ø30'W, 3200 m, in the
Province of Chapare, Department of Cochabamba, Bolivia, and two points in between: the
type locality; and 5 km by trail east of Pelechuco, 14ø48'S, 69ø03'W, 3350 m, Province of
Franz Tamayo, Department of La Paz (Fig. 2).
DESCRIPTION OF HOLOTYPE.--Forecrown marked by narrow (1.5 mm) frontlet of
short, somewhat stiffened blackish feathers surrounding base of maxilla, bordered posteriorly
by a partial, white diadem, the feathers of which are in obvious molt, widest on centerline
of crown, and tapering laterally and posteriorly to a point above and behind eye, terminating
approximately 2 mm behind posterior edge of orbit (Frontispiece, Fig. 1A). Diadem feathers
with a reflective quality such that contrast and extent of diadem are seen to change relative
to viewing angle. Diadem appears deepest (about 6 mm) and brightest from a superior,
frontal angle, and narrowest and dullest when viewed from directly above or slightly behind.
Crown posterior to diadem near Blackish Neutral Gray (capitalized color names from Smithe
1975). Lores same blackish color as narrow frontlet, this blackish extending posteriorly to
narrowly surround eye. Nape and entire dorsal surface washed lightly with dull brown, most
heavily along centerline of back and continuing to the rump. Scapular region more nearly
approaches Blackish Neutral Gray color of crown. Chin and throat to a point approximately
7 mm posterior to base of mandible, silvery-gray with a reflective quality, grayer than
diadem and, when viewed from the front, contrasting with blackish sides of head and, to a
lesser extent, rest of underparts. Throat, when viewed from lateral or posterior perspective,
appears close to Medium Neutral Gray, and contrasts less with dark feathering of the face
and remainder of underparts. Underparts from base of throat to lower belly and including
sides of breast and sides, near Dark Neutral Gray, displaying a silvery, graphite-like sheen
on the feather margins, palest on the lower belly. Flanks and undertail coverts unmarked
dull orange-rufous anteriorly, becoming weakly but increasingly barred posteriorly, the pat-
tern of each feather consisting of two dark gray subapical bars, the most proximal of which
sometimes surrounds the feather shaft blending into the dark gray base of the feather. Feath-
ers of flanks, and especially those of lower back, much elongated (to 27 mm), loosely
integrated, and somewhat downy in composition. Rump same dull orange-rufous as flanks
and undertail coverts and similarly barred; uppertail coverts grayer with a weak orangish
tinge, especially basally, and a hint of the barred pattern seen on the rump. Tail near Blackish
Neutral Gray with a faint brownish cast. Rectrices lacking any pattern of barring or internal
marking, but each having a minute brownish fringe anterior to tip. Wings, including all
coverts, also Blackish Neutral Gray except two innermost tertials, which are mostly dull
brownish with one subapical, dark gray bar on distal web. Other remiges with a narrow
brownish fringe on proximal portion of distal web, imparting a weak brownish cast to folded
wing. Soft parts in life: iris dark brown; tarsi and feet dark yellowish-brown; maxilla black;
mandible dark brownish-black, slightly paler at base. Although it is not the best plumage
example available (being a subadult in heavy molt), CBF No. 2636 was selected for the
holotype because it was tape-recorded and a blood sample was obtained.
MEASUREMENTS OF HOLOTYPE.--Wing (chord) 48.9 mm; tail 38.3 mm; culmen
from base (at skull) 10.3 mm; tarsus 20.4 mm; weight 15.2 g.
DESCRIPTION OF FEMALE.--The following is based upon paratype, CBF No. 2629.
Similar to holotype. Differs from adult male by diadem both duller and reduced in the
center, and by somewhat duller silvery throat. Upperparts entirely dingy brownish-gray,
brownest in nuchal region. Uppertail coverts, flanks, and undertail coverts dull brownish
Whitney ß A NEW SCYTALOPUS FROM BOLIVIA 591
FIG. 2. A. Adult male Scytalopus schulenbergi, showing silvery-white diadem, pale
throat, and blackish mask. B. Dense, somewhat stunted humid-temperate forest at 3300 m
along the Rio Pelechuco in northern Bolivia, habitat of S. schulenbergi. S. [magellanicus]
acutirostris replaces schulenbergi above treeline in rocky shrub/grassland, visible here on
the upper slopes of the valley.
592 THE WILSON BULLETIN ß Vol. 106, No. 4, December 1994
marked with two or three inconspicuous dark gray bars. Remiges with slight brownish tinge,
especially toward margins. Soft parts as in males.
DESCRIPTION OF JUVENILE.--No indication of diadem or mask. Generally golden-
brown, darker dorsally than ventrally, and reflective sheen on feathers obsolete. Every feath-
er of head and body with a conspicuous dark subapical marking, over almost the entire
upperparts, face, throat and upper breast in the form of a single, small Dark Neutral Gray
spot at the most distal furcation of barbs on the feather shaft, but scapulars marked with a
short streak along the shaft. Through remainder of underparts, subapical spot broadening
and thickening slightly to become a bar. Elongated flank feathers, belly, and undertail covert
feathers each marked with two or three bars that curve slightly proximally toward feather
margin, producing a weakly lunulated pattern, most pronounced on belly. Tail dark golden-
brown, each rectrix with seven or eight narrow, transverse bars or, apparently more rarely,
two or three roughly concentric internal bands. Wing coverts with dark markings expanded
greatly to cover proximal web of each feather to tip, leaving a relatively bright, golden-
brown crescent at tip of distal web, coverts together forming fairly conspicuous, black-
bordered wing-bars, most pronounced on greater primary coverts. Remiges near Dark Neu-
tral Gray edged golden-brown, with margins soft and barbs weakly integrated; some
individuals show light and dark spots on the distal webs of the outer primaries. Each tertial
with a conspicuous subterminal bar curving proximally inside feather margin, and expanding
to feather tip in a narrow point along shaft, producing, in effect, a series of black-bordered,
pale crescents overlying folded wings. Soft parts as in adults, except legs decidedly yellow-
ish.
SKIN SPECIMENS EXAMINED.S. schulenbergi: Peru: Puno, Valc6n, 6 c c and 3
$ $ (Louisiana State Univ. Museum of Natural Science [hereafter LSUMNS] No. 98394,
98395, 98396, 98399, 98400, 98401, 98402, 98406, 98407); Bolivia: La Paz, Prov. Franz
Tamayo, I c and 1 sex unknown (CBF No. 2640, 2641); La Paz, Prov. Nor Yungas, 8 c c,
3 q? , 3 sex unknown (CBF No. 2624-2630, 2632, 2633, 2636, 2637; LSUMNS No. 96092,
102258, 102261), and I sex unknown in alcohol (CBF No. 2631); Cochabamba, Prov.
Chapare, 2 sex unknown juveniles (LSUMNS No. 37776, 37780). S. argentifrons: Costa
Rica, Prov. San Jos& 1 c; Prov. Cartago, 2 c c; Prov. Heredia, I (LSUMNS No. 62660,
135543, 135544, 138717). Unnamed taxon: Peru: Pasco, various localities near Depto. Hua-
nuco border (Marin, Millpo, Abra Portachuelo), 16 cc and 2 (LSUMNS No. 128613-
128629; Museo de Historia Natural Javier Prado, Lima, Peru No. 7333); Huanuco, within
2 km of Depto. Pasco border, 3 c c and 2 $ (LSUMNS No. 128608-128612). Unnamed
taxon: Cuzco, 14 km NE Abra Mfilaga, I c and 1 (LSUMNS No. 78579, 78580). S.
[magellanicus] acutirostris: Peru: Puno, Valc6n, 2 c c and 3 (LSUMNS No. 98397,
98398, 98403, 98404, 98405). Bolivia: La Paz, Prov. Franz Tamayo, 1 c and 1 $ (CBF
No. 2642, 2644); La Paz, Prov. Nor Yungas, 1 c, 1 , and 1 sex unknown (CBF No. 2634;
LSUMNS No. 90751, 96091); Cochabamba, Prov. Chapare, 2 cc and I sex unknown
(LSUMNS No. 36130, 37775, 37779); Prov. Arani, 2 c c (LSUMNS No. 124233, 124234).
S. [m.] superciliaris zimmeri/acutirostris intergrade(?): Bolivia: Cochabamba, Colomi, 1
(LSUMNS No. 37781). S. [m.] magellanicus: Argentina: Rio Negro, 2 cc and 1
(LSUMNS No. 25099, 25100, 70003). S. 'unicolor' parvirostris: Bolivia: Prov. Franz Ta-
mayo, I (CBF No. 2646; probably not true parvirostris, see below); La Paz, Prov. Nor
Yungas, 5 cc, 3 $ (2, and 2 sex unknown (CBF No. 2635; LSUMNS No. 90750, 102254,
102255, 102256, 102257, 102259, 102260, 102262, 102263); Cochabamba, Prov. Chapare,
I c and 1 sex unknown (LSUMNS No. 36133, 37778). S. femoralis' bolivianus: Peru,
Puno, Abra de Maruncunca, 1 c (LSUMNS No. 98393); Bolivia: La Paz, Serrania de
Bellavista, 1 c (LSUMNS No. 90749); La Paz, Prov. B. Saavedra, 2 c c and I (LSUMNS
Whitney ß A NEW SCYTALOPUS FROM BOLIVIA 593
uncataloged specimens from 1993); Sana Cruz, Samaipata, 1 sex unknown (LSUMNS No.
37773).
VOICE SPECIMENS EXAMINED.All recordings made by the author unless otherwise
indicated. S. schulenbergi: Bolivia: La Paz, 27 (representing more than 30 individuals, in-
cluding CBF No. 2624, 2625, 2633 [juv scolds], 2636 [LNS No. 63427], 2640 [juv songs],
and 2641); Cochabamba, 2 (representing probably 3 individuals). S. argentifrons: Costa
Rica: Puntarenas, 3; Panama: Chiriqui, 2. Unnamed taxon: Peru: Pasco, 3 (including
LSUMNS No. 128629; 3 G. Rosenberg). S. [magellanicus] acutirostris: Peru: Cuzco, 2
(representing 3 individuals); Bolivia: La Paz, 10 (representing 9 individuals, including CBF
No. 2634 and 2644); Cochabamba, 9 (representing 6 individuals; 1 R. A. Rowlett); S. [m.]
superciliaris: Argentina: Tucumn, 2 (representing 3 individuals; I D. Stejskal); S. [m.]
fuscus: Chile: Santiago, 2 (1 G. Egli); S. [m.]. magellanicus: Argentina: Tierra del Fuego,
2 (1 J. Arvin); Chile: Malleco, 2. S. 'unicolor' parvirostris: Bolivia: La Paz, 3 (including
CBF No. 2635); Cochabamba, 3; Santa Cruz, 5. S. emoralis' bolivianus: Bolivia: La Paz,
2 (representing 1 individual); Cochabamba, 3 (1 R. A. Rowlett). All recordings made by
the author have been or will be archived at LNS. All recordings of collected birds will also
be archived at the respective institutions where the skins are held.
BIOCHEMICAL SPECIMENS.--& schulenbergi: Peru: Puno, two tissues (LSUMNS No.
B-501 and B-522); Bolivia: Franz Tamayo, two blood samples (CBF No. 2640 and 2641);
La Paz, two blood samples (CBF No. 2636 and 2637). Blood samples stored in APS buffer
at ZMUC.
ETYMOLOGY.--I am pleased to name this new tapaculo after my friend and colleague
Thomas S. Schulenberg, whose field work and informed insights have, for more than a
decade, greatly aided many investigators in pursuit of knowledge of Andean birds. In 1980,
he headed the LSUMNS expedition into the remote area of Valc6n in Puno, Peru, that
brought back a fine series of the new species. Finally, it was Tom who several years ago
first encouraged me to delve into the depths of Scytalopus.
The proposed English name, Diademed Tapaculo, refers to the shining-white, crescent-
shaped band marking the forecrown of adults of the new species, which occurs predomi-
nantly in Bolivia. Should the similarly "diademed" (but presently unnamed) tapaculo in-
habiting the Abra Mfilaga region of central Peru (see below) eventually prove to be related
to but specifically distinct from schulenbergi, I suggest the names Bolivian Diademed Tapa-
culo for S. schulenbergi, and Peruvian Diademed Tapaculo for the Abra Mfilaga bird.
REMARKS
Variation in the type series.--I restrict the type series to those (10)
specimens collected at the type locality in 1993. This limitation ensures
that the series contains truly comparable material, eliminating variation
introduced by such factors as age of the prepared specimens, which may
be significant (see below). Among males, the most consistent variation
from the holotype is seen in the flanks and undertail coverts, which are
washed more extensively and brightly with dull orangish-brown on some
specimens, more weakly on others, but with barring, ranging from very
weak to well-defined, present on all except one. This latter specimen
(CBF No. 2632) is probably an adult in definitive plumage, and shows
only a very weak tinge of brownish in the flanks and undertail coverts,
and no trace of barring. The most conspicuous variation among males,
594 THE WILSON BULLETIN ß Vol. 106, No. 4, December 1994
however, is seen in the extent and brightness of the diadem. In relation
to the holotype, four have a more extensive diadem (two of these having
diadems covering almost the entire front half of the crown), and two have
reduced and significantly duller diadems, more similar to that of the ho-
lotype. Otherwise, males vary little from the holotype except that some
are washed more extensively with dull brownish through the upperparts,
concentrated on the lower back and rump. These specimens also show
the most color and barring on the flanks and undertail coverts, and include
the specimens with the smallest and dullest diadems. These birds, like the
holotype, are probably subadults.
The series contains two specimens that are unequivocally in subadult
and juvenal plumages, respectively; the latter is described above. The
subadult (CBF No. 2627, sex unknown) was in molt of the head and body
but not the wing or tail. The head, which was largely destroyed by shot,
is generally brownish, with the center of the crown slightly grayer and a
faint indication of a silvery diadem. The upperparts are as in the juvenal
plumage, but the feathers of the neck, throat, and breast have been re-
placed with feathers of Medium Neutral Gray, the lower of which have
narrow buff fringes. Additionally, some of the large, dull orangish-brown
feathers of the lower sides (flanks?) are marked with two bars that curve
proximally inside the feather margin to form a pattern distinct from that
of juveniles or adults. The wing feathers appear to be newly replaced,
but the tail is somewhat abraded and is likely the juvenal plumage. The
wing-coverts are brownish-gray, except for a golden fringe and dark sub-
apical spot on the distal web of each of the greater primary coverts,
producing a faint wing-bar. The remiges lack the weakly integrated fring-
es and the light-spotted pattern on the edges of the distal webs of the
juvenal remiges but are overall somewhat browner than those of older
birds. This individual was not tape-recorded, but I heard it give a single
loud "tek!" note that I have definitely associated with S. schulenbergi.
As a final note, one specimen (CBF No. 2630) shows a single white
feather on the side of the neck. Asymmetrical albinism of this nature is
fairly frequent among Scytalopus (N. Krabbe and T. Schulenberg, pers.
comm.).
Variation among the 18 additional specimens of S. schulenbergi ex-
amined is similar to that observed in the type series. In comparison with
specimens from the type locality, those from Puno, Peru, and Prov. Franz
Tamayo, Bolivia, may have slightly reduced diadems. The single juvenile
from Franz Tamayo has a distinctly buffier throat than the one from the
type locality. Among the predominantly gray-bodied S. schulenbergi ex-
amined, there is a consistent difference in general coloration between the
birds collected in 1993 (nine; eight from the type locality, and one from
Whitney ß A NEW SCYTALOPUS FROM BOLIVIA 595
Franz Tamayo) and those collected in 1980 and 1981 (11; two from the
type locality and nine from Puno, Peru). The more recent specimens are
darker throughout, especially in the underparts, which are near Dark Neu-
tral Gray, whereas the older specimens are all closer to Medium Neutral
Gray through the underparts. Furthermore, the flanks and undertail coverts
of the older specimens are lighter in color, more orangish and less brown-
ish. These apparent differences are of the order of magnitude considered
by Zimmer (1939) to warrant subspecific recognition. Because of the
overlap of the localities involved, however, 1 have no doubt that these
differences are due to the age of the specimens ("foxing").
Breeding and molt.--None of the specimens collected in March was
in breeding condition (largest testis measured 5 X 2.5 mm). Gonads of
most specimens were described as "little developed" (O. Rocha O. on
specimen labels). We did encounter several juvenile S. schulenbergi, the
plumage of which was advanced only a little beyond full juvenal, sug-
gesting that they had fledged recently (although it is not known how long
this plumage is retained or whether there is intraspecific variation in tim-
ing of the onset of post-juvenal molt). Judging from the few specimens
available, the post-juvenal molt commences with the feathers of the head,
throat, and breast, and it is probably this molt that produces the earliest
indications of the silvery diadem (as discussed earlier with respect to
subadult plumage). Aside from the juveniles, all March specimens showed
conspicuous molt of some part of the plumage, and most birds in adult
or near-adult plumages were in extensive molt of the entire plumage.
Except for a few songs given early in the morning, S. schulenbergi was
singing very little in late February and March (especially little on rainy
days), less than I would expect if the birds were actively engaged in
territorial activities. None of three La Paz S. schulenbergi collected 1
June, 31 July, and 4 August is in breeding condition; data on molt are
lacking. The series of nine birds from Puno, Peru, taken in October may
be considered to be in breeding condition, with testes ranging in size
from 7 X 4 to 10 X 4 mm, and ovaries well developed. One female was
observed "bringing food to nest." This nest and the two nestlings it held
were collected (T. Schulenberg, pers. comm.; LSUMNS Egg and Nest
Collection No. 907), and the nest was described as that of Scytalopus
magellanicus by Rosenberg (1986). No data on vocalizations or molt were
recorded on the Puno specimen labels. These considerations suggest that
breeding takes place primarily between September and January, although
data are lacking (aside from one specimen) for the period April to August.
Habitat and ecology.--Scytalopus schulenbergi lives only inside and
at the edge of humid-temperate "cloud forest" and "elfin" forest and is
so far known only from the east slope of the Andes. It does not occur in
596 THE WILSON BULLETIN ß Vol. 106, No. 4, December 1994
habitats above the local treeline (whether natural or man-altered), al-
though I expect that individuals wander a short distance out of the forest
proper into the shrubby foresffgrassland ecotone. All of the four known
localities of occurrence are characterized by steep, forested slopes at or
near treeline (Fig. lB).
Remsen (1985) provided an excellent description of the habitat at the
type locality of S. schulenbergi near Chuspipata, La Paz. His account
covered two somewhat different sites about 5 km apart, one at 3050 m
(Chuspipata) and the other at 3300 m (Cotapata). S. schulenbergi is com-
mon at both sites, but is especially common, and the only Scytalopus
present, at Cotapata (the type locality). As noted by Remsen (1985),
Chusquea sp. bamboo is abundant in the area, especially at Chuspipata,
where the forest is more heavily disturbed by both natural landslides and
selective logging (pers. obs.). S. schulenbergi does not appear to inhabit
patches of Chusquea preferentially over areas of the understory domi-
nated by other plants. It does seem to be partial to small ravines, perhaps
especially those with a seepage of water, and bamboo is often dominant
at such sites. The habitat description provided by Remsen (1985) applies
closely to the other known localities of occurrence of S. schulenbergi in
Bolivia, except that the site below Pelechuco in Prov. Franz Tamayo has
suffered considerably more forest disturbance through cutting for fire-
wood and fragmentation for garden space. S. schulenbergi appears to be
much less common at this site.
The elevational range of S. schulenbergL which is between about 2975
and 3400 m, overlaps that of two congeners, one at either extreme. S.
[m.] acutirostris occurs primarily in the shrub/grassland above treeline
(whether natural or not) but extends as low as the local limit of forest,
penetrating the forest border wherever connected grassy or rocky open-
ings permit. Thus it occurs alongside schulenbergi throughout the range
of the latter (documented with specimens and tape at all known localities
for schulenbergi), and the two can often be heard from the same position
near the grassland/forest ecotone. It is the habitat more than the absolute
elevation that determines the local elevational limits of these two taxa
(e.g., north- and south-facing slopes of a wide canyon often have the
natural grassland/forest ecotone at significantly different elevations; this
ecotone around "treeline" in the Andes has been altered extensively by
man). In the vicinity of Chuspipata, La Paz, S. 'unicolor' parvirostris
reaches its upper elevational limit at approximately 3100 m and is com-
mon as high as just over 3000 m. In the narrow band between about 2975
and 3100 m, it occupies the same habitat as schulenbergi and on occasion
the two can be heard in exactly the same place. It appears that the slightly
larger parvirostris (Table 1) is the dominant or more aggressive of the
Whitney ß A NEW SCYTALOPUS FROM BOLIVIA 597
two, because playback of schulenbergi songs or scolds within the overlap
zone were (in late March, at least) more likely to elicit a response from
parvirostris than schulenbergi, but playback of parvirostris vocalizations
elicited response only from parvirostris. This may have as much to do
with the species' respective (and largely unknown) breeding seasons as
anything else. The only other insectivore that forages primarily on or very
near the ground within the latitudinal and elevational distribution of S.
schulenbergi is the Rufous Antpitta (Grailaria rufula) (Formicariidae),
which has a considerably larger body mass. The Stripe-headed Finch (At-
lapetes torquatus) barely overlaps S. schulenbergi at the lowest elevations
(Remsen 1985; pers. obs.)
Foraging and other behaviors.--S. schulenbergi, like all members of
the genus, was quite difficult to observe in an undisturbed foraging rou-
tine; for most individuals, I managed to make only general, brief (less
than 5 sec) foraging observations. The following information comes from
a single adult that at first had been scolding me but which I subsequently
kept more-or-less in view for about 10 min as it unconcernedly foraged
around me in a relatively open place in the undergrowth. This bird re-
mained within about 50 cm of the ground the entire time, almost always
within about 20 cm, and came down onto the ground several times. It
moved slowly with very short hops, perching briefly on both horizontal
and (less often) vertical perches, holding its tail at a relaxed angle (not
cocked), and stopping briefly to scan the surrounding mossy ground,
branches, and vegetation. It occasionally reached to and gleaned from
these substrates (terminology follows Remsen and Robinson 1990) and
also probed the moss coating thin vertical trunks and dead branches, usu-
ally spending less than 3 sec at such a site. While on the ground, the bird
performed the above maneuvers and seemed to explore the upper few
mm of the leaf litter visually and with light probes. It did not scratch or
otherwise manipulate the leaf-litter or moss with its feet and did not reach
to vegetation significantly overhead (such as the undersides of leaves).
While I was standing on the trail after observing the above behaviors, the
bird again appeared, hopping out into the middle of the 1.5 m-wide trail,
where it froze with the tail cocked sharply over the back, then fluttered
weakly up to the edge of a 2.5 m-high bank and resumed foraging some-
what more actively on mossy limbs about 30 cm above ground (from
which position it could keep an eye on me below). No other birds were
seen in the vicinity during these observations. The bird's white diadem
was conspicuous as it moved through the dark understory, which may
help members of a pair to keep in visual contact without vocalizing.
Three S. schulenbergi specimen labels indicate that the stomachs con-
tained insects; no other stomach contents were recorded. The 14 stomachs
598 THE WILSON BULLETIN ß Vol. 106, No. 4, December 1994
0
B
5 10
u
u.
6
4
2
o
o
6
4
2
0
o
c
6
4
2
o
o ;
Time (seconds)
FG. 3. Some vocalizations of Scytalopus schulenbergi from type locality for comparison
with those of other taxa shown in subsequent figures. A. Adult male, song after playback,
but one of natural variants; first 12.7 sec of 13.5 sec song (length variable); first one or two,
burry syllables missed, end same as part shown. Noticeable 6-syllable pattern beginning at
6-sec point (repeated slants down to right) is not audible, and probably represents the bird's
Whitney ß A NEW SCYTALOPUS FROM BOLIVIA 599
collected in March 1993 have been preserved in alcohol at CBF, but have
not yet been analyzed.
S. schulenbergi sings from a perch between about 20 cm and 3 m above
ground on a horizontal limb, holding the head up and the tail pointing
mostly toward the ground but not straight down. The throat is puffed out
somewhat and the bill is opened only slightly. After playback of songs,
males usually approached the tape recorder within 3 min, and in a couple
of instances, climbed to as high as about 7 m above ground before singing
in response. On several occasions, males appeared after tape playback,
but did not vocalize. The single female collected in March responded to
tape playback of its own scolds (Fig. 3D, E).
Were it not for its conspicuous voice and predictable response to tape
playback, S. schulenbergi would be very difficult to detect and capture.
In 17,587 daylight net-h (and an equal number of nighttime hours) at two
sites in the humid-temperate forest near Chuspipata, La Paz (Remsen
1985), where schulenbergi is one of the most common birds in the forest
undergrowth along roads and trails (pers. obs.), only two individuals were
captured, and several hundred man-h (mostly without tape recorders) pro-
duced only one specimen shot. This is certainly understandable, consid-
ering the skulking nature of Scytalopus tapaculos in general, their reluc-
tance to fly even short distances, and their generally slow progression
through the undergrowth as they forage independently with near-perch
maneuvers, allowing them to detect a mist-net the first time it is encoun-
tered (after the first encounter, entanglement in the net is probably very
unlikely). Capture of the single specimen we netted required careful net-
site selection and the practiced use of a tape recorder. Even then, the bird
obviously avoided the net on the first pass and later became lightly en-
tangled only in the lowest part of the net, the bottom several cm of which
we had arranged on the ground, when it attempted to crawl under it. As
the behavior of schulenbergi does not appear to differ significantly from
breathing interval (recording made at ideal level, 5 m range, at 15 i.p.s.); 3380 m, 02 Mar
1993; CBF 2624. Inset in song of this and other figures represents an individual note/phrase
(bisyllabic in some taxa) enlarged on time scale (same scale for all figures) to show more
comparative detail. B. Age/sex unknown, complete natural song, with slow first half (and
low beginning) and rapid second half; bird distant from microphone. 3100 m, 24 Feb 1992.
C. Subadult, complete descending-series song, with sharp, rising-series introduction; after
playback. 3190 m, 28 Mar 1993; CBF 2637. D. Adult female, excited scold soon after
playback. E. Same adult female, scold typical of species, given by both sexes and all ages.
3395 m, 02 Mar 1993; CBF 2629. Sonagrams produced with "SoundEdit" of Farallon
Computing, Inc., Emeryville, California, and "Canary" of the Bioacoustics Research Pro-
gram at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York.
600 THE WILSON BULLETIN ß Vol. 106, No. 4, December 1994
that of forest-based congeners (pers. obs., although it may prove to be
somewhat more arboreal, and it seems easier to see with tape playback
than most), it is easy to imagine that avifaunal surveys (especially brief
ones) that have not used tape recorders routinely could have missed some
of these forest-based Scytalopus and possibly some of the taxa above
treeline as well.
Vocalizations.--Almost all of the vocalizations of S. schulenbergi are
distinctive and may be used to diagnose it from congeners more reliably
than its various plumages. The primary song is a level series (sometimes
dropping or rising slightly through the first few syllables) of very closely
spaced syllables at about 3.3 kHz, lasting between about 7-15 sec, av-
eraging about 9 sec. The song begins with 4-5 slightly burry or throaty
syllables spaced far enough apart to be counted easily, after which it
accelerates steadily for several seconds, either continuing at an even rate
to the end of the song (Fig. 3A; first couple of notes missed) or sometimes
abruptly accelerating once again in the final half (Fig. 3B). Songs deliv-
ered in response to tape playback are often considerably longer (up to 48
sec) and usually have scattered stutters in the series. This song apparently
is given by individuals of any age, judging from a juvenile that was tape-
recorded delivering it (albeit in response to playback) and collected (CBF
No. 2640; sex unknown). I do not know whether females sing, but my
observations suggest that they do not. A second song-type is a rapidly
delivered, steadily descending series lasting 3-5 sec, often preceded by
either a few loud, hard "tek!" syllables spaced 1-2 sec apart or, especially
after tape playback, a rapid, sharp, rising series of syllables lasting about
0.5 sec (Fig. 3C). I suspect that this vocalization is given only by subadult
birds, perhaps those less than one year old. Each instance in which I was
able to see the bird that had definitely given this descending series, it
proved to be either a juvenile or a bird in a plumage not far advanced
from the juvenal (N = 6, 1 collected [CBF No. 2637]). To my knowledge,
such noticeable age-related variation in the song has not been reported
among suboscines (in fact, the contrary is the norm); I wish merely to
report the possibility of its involvement in this case. In any event, I be-
lieve that this descending series is indeed a song in the sense that songs
have been described in the genus, as it is delivered only once, at long
intervals, from a perch above ground, and in the singing posture described
above. All these songs differ appreciably from those of other Scytalopus
taxa (compare Fig. 3A-C with Fig. 4A-C, Fig. 5A, and Fig. 6A), es-
pecially the sympatric S. [m.] acutirostris and S. 'unicolor' parvirostris.
S. schulenbergi also frequently gives a scold or mobbing vocalization,
heard most often when an individual is startled or disturbed by an ob-
server, or in response to tape playback. A bout of scolding/mobbing may
Whitney ß A NEW SCYTALOPUS FROM BOLIVIA 601
6
4
2
0
A
5 10
B
u_ 0
10
Time (seconds)
FIG. 4. Songs of other diademed/white-browed Scytalopus. A. S. argentifrons: age/sex
unknown (male?), complete natural song. Costa Rica, Prov. Puntarenas, Monteverde Cloud
Forest Preserve, 1600 m, 24 Mar 1983. B. Unnamed taxon: Adult male, natural(?) song;
section of series of 45 continuous chirping notes; another series of 107 continuous notes
also recorded; apparently neither was a truly complete series. Peru, Depto. Pasco, Millpo,
approx. 3700 m, 29 July 1985; LSUMNS 128629; recorded by G. Rosenberg. C. S. super-
ciliaris Adult male(?), section of song after playback, same as natural; length of series highly
variable, from 27 notes, to 132 in 3:10 sec during a countersinging bout. Argentina, Prov.
Tucumfin, 13 km by road W Taft del Valle, 2730 m, 20 Oct 1989.
last several minutes and often attracts other species of birds which may
begin giving analogous vocalizations. When giving this vocalization, at-
tention is directed at the observer, although the bird usually remains large-
ly hidden from view. Individuals of all ages and both sexes of S. schu-
602 THE WILSON BULLETIN ß Vol. 106, No. 4, December 1994
4
2
0
$ lO
0 2 4 6
Time (seconds)
FIc. 5. Some vocalizations of Scytalopus [magellanicus] acutirostris. A. Adult (male ?),
section of song after playback, same as natural. This song comprised 85 weakly bisyllabic
notes, and lasted 50 sec. Depto. Cochabamba, Prov. Quillacollo, slopes of Cerro Tunari
above Quillacollo, 3275 m, 14 Mar 1993. B. Subadult (age/sex unknown), natural descend-
ing series; number of notes variable from 4-12, often given by presumed female while male
is singing. Same loc., 3400 m, 26 Feb 1992. C. Age/sex unknown, natural scold; this voc.
not yet documented from Cochabamba populations. Depto. La Paz, Pongo, about 3615 m,
24 Mar 1992.
lenbergi give a version of this scold, with greater intra- than
inter-individual variation displayed in the quality, pattern, frequency, and
duration of scolds. Once an individual begins scolding/mobbing at regular
intervals, however, scolds generally do not vary appreciably. Successive
scolds of a single female (CBF No. 2629) soon after tape playback are
A
Whitney ß A NEW SCYTALOPUS FROM BOLIVIA
5 10
603
Time (seconds)
FIG. 6. Some vocalizations of Scytalopus 'unicolor' parvirostris. A. Adult (male ?),
complete natural song. Cochabamba, Prov. Chapare, 3 km by road E Tablas Monte, 2615
m, 27 Feb 1992. Same song is given by central La Paz and Santa Cruz populations; differs
from that of populations in northern La Paz and southern Peru. B. Age/sex unknown, scold/
mobbing vocalization in which 1-4 syllable phrases are alternated randomly but delivered
at regular intervals. Same loc., 2535 m, 27 Feb 1992. C. Adult (sex unknown), natural scold.
La Paz, Prov. Nor Yungas, about 1 km S Chuspipata, 3000 m, 28 Mar 1993; CBF 2635.
shown in Fig. 3D and E. The latter illustrates the scold most typical of
the species, which this female began giving consistently several sec after
I ceased tape playback. I suspect that females give the scold more often
than do males and that females' scolds are slightly higher-pitched than
those of males, as reported by Fjeldsh and Krabbe (1990:423) for the
genus in general. Across the genus Scytalopus, there is much less varia-
tion in scolds than in songs (pers. obs.; compare Fig. 3D and E with
604 THE WILSON BULLETIN ß Vol. 106, No. 4, Decetnber 1994
probably distantly related but sympatric taxa in Figs. 5C and 6C). This
probably indicates that the vocalizations we have identified as songs are
more important than scolds as reproductive isolating mechanisms. There
may be selective pressure to maintain (or converge toward) interspecific
similarity of scolds/mobbing vocalizations if such lack of variation leads
to widespread recognition of the warning or alert message among sym-
patric species of birds, as suggested by Thorpe (1956).
Other distinctive vocalizations of S. schulenbergi include a single,
piercing "peeyk!" and an alarm call consisting of one or two sharp in-
troductory notes followed by several level, evenly spaced couplets of
sharp syllables, then a few triplets, ending with a higher syllable or two,
the whole bout lasting 2-5 sec (N = 2). This vocalization is given only
once, immediately after a bird is startled, as opposed to repeatedly like
the scold.
Systematic relationships.--Looking for relatives among Andean Scy-
talopus, the conspicuous white forehead of schulenbergi immediately
brings to mind the Andean Tapaculo (S. magellanicus) of Southern Ar-
gentina and Chile. However.. the two have very different songs (compare
Fig. 3A-C with sonagram p. 437 of Fjeldsfi and Krabbe [1990]) and,
more importantly, there exists a near-continuum of populations (some
unnamed) northward to central Peru (approximately the upper Huallaga
River valley) sharing a magellanicus-type song, most of them essentially
isolated geographically, and all occurring primarily at and above treeline.
The entire range of schulenbergi (which inhabits humid-temperate forest
at and below treeline) is paralleled by one of these forms, "simonsi"
(sensu Fjeldsfi and Krabbe 1990), which lacks a conspicuous white fore-
head and has dark barring or other pattern on the flanks and rectrices in
all plumages. In light of these considerations, I do not believe that S.
schulenbergi can be assigned to the magellanicus superspecies (as defined
below).
Perhaps with the exception of the taxa in eastern Brazil, the Silver-
fronted Tapaculo (S. argentifrons) of the mountains of Costa Rica and
western Panama is the member of the genus most geographically remote
from S. schulenbergi. The diademed adult male plumage (and to a lesser
extent, the plumages of females and immatures) of argentifrons is, how-
ever, remarkably similar to that of schulenbergi. The basic pattern of the
song of argentifrons (both subspecies) is also similar to that of schulen-
bergi, although it consistently begins more rapidly, and tends to rise
slightly in frequency (Fig. 4A, compare with Fig. 3A and B). Scolds of
the two species are also quite similar. It seems plausible that argentifrons
and schulenbergi represent relicts at either end of an extraordinarily long,
trans-Andean gap, although the gap could be occupied in part by taxa as
Whitney ß A NEW SCYTALOPUS FROM BOLIVIA 605
yet undiscovered. Such a relationship could easily be obscured, for ex-
ample, if any extant, intervening relatives have lost the diadem or have
not been tape-recorded. However, one intervening diademed population
(only a small percentage of which have complete frontal bands) that has
been tape-recorded, in western Depto. Pasco, Peru, is markedly different
both by voice (a "chirping" note repeated at a short interval for long
periods of time; Fjeldsfi and Krabbe 1990:440 and sonagrams pp. 437-
442; [Fig. 4B, compare with Fig. 3A and B, Fig. 4A and C, and Fig. 5A])
and by habitat (above treeline in rocky shrub/grassland; G. and K. Ro-
senberg, pers. comm.). In both of these respects, the Pasco population
appears to be most nearly allied to the magellanicus group. Although this
distinctive population remains unnamed, it is almost certainly best treated
as a species.
Particularly interesting is a series of four specimens taken within walk-
ing distance of a single camp at treeline in late July 1974 by T A. Parker,
III, D. A. Tallman, and G. Lester, 14 km NE of Abra Mfilaga along the
road between Ollantaitambo and Quillabamba, Depto. Cuzco, Peru
("Canchaillo," 13ø07'S, 72ø22'W; Parker and O'Neill 1980). Habitat at
this locality is heterogeneous, ranging from grassland with scattered rocks
and shrubs to Polylepis woodland to dense, humid-temperate forest with
abundant Chusquea spp. bamboo (Parker and O'Neill 1980). Two of the
birds (LSUMNS No. 78578 [c], 78581 [$]) are very similar to S. [m.]
acutirostris (this may actually be the appropriate name, but see comments
below), and I suspect that they represent the magellanicus group occu-
pying the grassland zone above treeline. One specimen's label gives the
elevation as 13,000 ft (=about 3900 m) in Polylepis habitat, which, to-
gether with its plumage, places it almost certainly with the magellanicus
group. The other specimen's label gives the elevation as "ca 10,700'"
(=3240 m), which, lacking precise data on habitat, makes its assignment
to the magellanicus group somewhat more ambiguous. The other two
specimens (LSUMNS No. 78579 [ c ], 78580[ $ ]) are distinctly diademed
and masked and are basically quite similar to schulenbergi; I believe these
birds represent an unnamed population. One specimen's label gives the
elevation as "ca 10,700'," and the other's label gives no elevation; neither
provides any data on habitat. If the magellanicus-like bird is indeed in
the Polylepis/grassland habitats above treeline, as I believe it must be, I
suspect that the unnamed, diademed taxon from below Abra Mfilaga is
to be looked for in the somewhat isolated humid-temperate forest of this
region, perhaps especially near the local treeline. A recording of the ter-
minal part of a song made by N. Krabbe at "St. Luis restaurant below
Abra Mfilaga, 3000 m. in Chusquea bamboo" on 4 Dec. 1983 (a "sub-
adult," not described, was collected and is at ZMUC [no catalog number
606 THE WILSON BULLETIN ß Vol. 106, No. 4, December 1994
provided], N. Krabbe, pers. comm.), and another recording of the end of
a song followed by scolds recorded by T Schulenberg "below Abra Mfi-
laga, 3350 m ... in edge of humid forest," 21 Jul. 1985 (no specimen
collected, N. Krabbe, pers. comm.) sound much like vocalizations of
schulenbergi. Without specimens or even detailed plumage descriptions
for either of the birds recorded, however, I must stop short of attributing
these recordings to the diademed Abra Mfilaga population, especially in
light of the following considerations. The two Abra Mfilaga specimens,
which have well-developed diadems and masks and are probably adults,
show extensive brownish flanks with some dark barring on most feathers,
and have short, brown tails (averaging 4 mm shorter than the tail of
schulenbergi, Table 1) with conspicuous, alternating light and dark con-
centric bands on the rectrices, in all these respects differing noticeably
from schulenbergL especially adults. Considering the substantial geo-
graphic hiatus between Abra Mfilaga and Valc6n in Depto. Puno and these
documented plumage and mensural differences (albeit from a sample of
only two from Abra Mfilaga), and lacking a complete and unambiguous
sample of the voice, I feel that the Abra Mfilaga population cannot be
definitely allied to schulenbergi at the present, although I suspect that it
is, whether at the specific or subspecific level.
The two distinctive, unnamed populations discussed here have escaped
description primarily because they inhabit remote regions that had not
been collected sufficiently or at all when Zimmer turned his attentions to
the genus in the late '30s. Apparently, Zimmer never saw a diademed
Scytalopus from the Andes, and although he described several subspecies
from northern and central Peru (Zimmer 1939), he introduced no names
that could be applicable to either of the taxa under consideration.
More recent interest in naming distinctive populations of Scytalopus in
central Peru has been stymied to some extent by confusion surrounding
the applicability of the name acutirostris, first associated with the ma-
gellanicus group by Hellmayr (Cory and Hellmayr 1924:21), because the
type locality is not definitely known, and the type specimen is difficult
to assign to any particular population (T Schulenberg and N. Krabbe,
pers. comm.). Fjeldsfi and Krabbe (1990:443) suggested that "acutiros-
tris" may represent the same form as S. unicolorparvirostris, but, perhaps
more likely, the 'unnamed' species from c. Peru" (which they discuss on
pp. 427-428), but provided no explanation for this novel treatment. Not
having examined pertinent type specimens myself, I am nonetheless im-
pressed that Hellmayr was so convinced of the similarity between S. m.
"simonsi" (from Cochabamba, Bolivia) and acutirostris (although he was
not comparing types, I believe he had selected appropriate material for
this specific comparison, because he had previously examined and criti-
Whitney ß A NEW SCYTALOPUS FROM BOLIVIA 607
cally described the type specimen of acutirostris) that he stated, "a small
series from w. Bolivia... is perfectly identical with two from Maraynioc
which we may regard as topotypical of acutirostris" (Cory and Hellmayr
1924:22). This similarity applies to the intervening Abra Mfilaga popu-
lation of the magellanicus group as mentioned above, and strongly sug-
gests that the traditional treatment of acutirostris in this assemblage is
appropriate. In the absence of compelling evidence to the contrary, then,
the most conservative course is to regard acutirostris as the species-level
name representing the magellanicus complex occurring from central Ju-
nfn, Peru, southward to central Cochabamba, Bolivia. I can see no clear
reason to recognize "simonsi" (sensu Fjeldsfi and Krabbe 1990) at even
the subspecies level. I agree with Fjeldsfi and Krabbe (1990) that this
stretch of the Andes (Junfn to Cochabamba) is probably inhabited by two
or more allospecies in the magellanicus superspecies, and the name si-
monsi may stand for the population described from Cochabamba (what-
ever its distributional limits may be), but species limits in the magellan-
icus complex require further work to establish (perhaps involving analysis
of "ancient DNA" to match the type of acutirostris to another central
Peruvian population). Whether or not the above views are accepted, it
seems clear that the name acutirostris cannot be applied to schulenbergi,
nor to the diademed populations of Scytalopus inhabiting western Depto.
Pasco or the Abra Mfilaga region in Depto. Cuzco.
Aside from the above considerations, 1 wish to point out that the pop-
ulation I have assigned to S. schulenbergi from Puno, Peru, really cannot
be so designated with 100% certainty, because its song has not been tape-
recorded. A recording made by N. Krabbe (pers. comm.) of the scold of
an unseen Scytalopus "in fairly low, humid second growth above (N)
Sandia, Puno, 2800 m on 25 Dec. 1983" sounds much like that of S.
schulenbergi, although 2800 m is well below the elevation of any other
specimen or recording of schulenbergi, including the LSUMNS series
from Puno. Were it not for our discovery that schulenbergi definitely
occurs within about 50 km (Pelechuco, in Depto. Franz Tamayo) with no
reasonable geographic barrier in the intervening territory, I would be re-
luctant to include it because of the geographically complex gap southward
to the type locality that would otherwise have to be included within the
range. The known distribution of S. schulenbergi, from southern Puno,
Peru, to Cochabamba, Bolivia, is shared by some other temperate-zone
birds, such as Andigena cucullata, Cranioleuca albiceps, and Hemispin-
gus calophrys, and it may be that these are its true limits.
The Bolivian range of S. schulenbergi may be fragmented by one or
two natural barriers in Depto. La Paz: the canyons of the Rio La Paz and
the Rio Mapiri, both of which represent add or semi-arid gaps in the
608 THE WILSON BULLETIN ß Vol. 106, No. 4, December 1994
distribution of humid-temperate forest on the east slope of the Andes. The
former separates subspecies of at least three suboscines syntopic (pers.
obs.) with S. schulenbergi: Black-throated Thistletail (Schizoeaca harter-
ti) (Remsen 1981), Light-crowned Spinetail (Cranioleuca albiceps) (Rem-
sen 1984), and Grailaria rufula. The Rio Mapiri canyon appears to be
the most likely barrier separating Schizoeaca harterti and S. helleri. Thus,
further investigation within Bolivia, especially in Depto. Cochabamba,
may reveal that S. schulenbergi comprises two or three subspecies.
Biochemical analysis using specimens of known elevation and habitat
and with accompanying voice recordings, including S. schulenbergL cur-
rently is underway at ZMUC by P. Arctander (J. Fjeldsfi, in litt.).
Conservation.--For the present, S. schulenbergi is probably not seri-
ously threatened as humid-temperate forest between 3100 and 3400 m
exists in undisturbed condition in several remote regions of its range. The
type locality, however, has been altered significantly in the past two years
by the activities of a gold-mining cooperative which has encouraged more
than 500 people to settle in a formerly pristine, forested canyon there.
Fortunately, the Bolivian government has established and is planning to
designate some important reserves that will protect not only taxa with
distributions largely within Bolivia, such as S. schulenbergi, but also ge-
netic corridors for the many more taxa that extend significantly north or
south of the country.
Distribution and vocalizations of other Bolivian Scytalopus, with com-
ments on the magellanicus complex.--From central Depto. Cochabamba
northward to the Peruvian border, four taxa of Scytalopus are found as
one descends from rocky grassland above treeline to the upper tropical
rain forest of the east slope, in the following sequence: [m.] acutirostris;
schulenbergi; 'unicolor' parvirostris; and 'femoralis' bolivianus. These
four taxa may be encountered within a 20 km drive along the road be-
tween Unduavi and Coroico in Depto. La Paz. The situation south of
central Depto. Cochabamba is much simpler, with the depression of tree-
line and lower rainfall significantly narrowing the elevational width of
humid forest. In this region, the first two taxa above drop out, S. [m.]
superciliaris appears (perhaps as far north as central Depto. Cochabamba;
see below), continuing southward to Prov. Tucumfin, Argentina, and S.
'unicolor' parvirostris reaches its southernmost point of occurrence in
extreme western Depto. Santa Cruz in the isolated Serrania de Siberia
(Remsen and Traylor 1989, pers. obs.). In lower subtropical and upper
tropical forests, S. 'femoralis' bolivianus is reported in the literature as
far south as Prov. Florida, Depto. Santa Cruz (Remsen et al. 1986), and
it has been found recently in Depto. Chuquisaca by J. Fjeldsfi and S.
Maijer (J. Fjelds, pers. comm.). Thus, only S. [m.] superciliaris zimmeri
Whitney ß A NEW SCYTALOPUS FROM BOLIVIA 609
is known to inhabit most of the southern half of Bolivia, especially at
upper elevations. Songs and habitats of all these forms, with the exception
of S. [m.] superciliaris, are at least partially described and illustrated with
sonagrams in Fjeldst and Krabbe (1990). I offer the following information
to supplement their species accounts, with emphasis on Scytalopus taxa
within Bolivia, concluding with comments on the magellanicus complex.
S. 'unicolor' parvirostris.--In Bolivia, this taxon inhabits well-devel-
oped humid montane forest and connected second-growth and bamboo
between about 2000 and 3200 m. It overlaps S. 'femoralis' bolivianus at
the lower end, between about 2000 and 2300 m (but see account of bo-
livianus below), and S. schulenbergi at the upper end, between about 2975
and 3100 m. A full song from Prov. Chapare, Cochabamba is shown in
Fig. 6A. Birds to the south in Depto. Santa Cruz, and those to the north,
near the type locality of parvirostris in Depto. La Paz, have songs essen-
tially indistinguishable from those of Cochabamba birds (pers. obs.). The
population inhabiting the Pelechuco region of Prov. Franz Tamayo, how-
ever, sings a markedly different song. Although I did not manage to tape
record it, I believe this song, which is characterized by significantly longer
inter-syllable interval and is of a distinctive quality, is represented by the
partial sonagram labeled "parvirostris Vilcabamba mts. (song)" on p. 426
of Fjeldst and Krabbe (1990), who described some variation in songs
within the latitudinal range they ascribe to parvirostris (p. 427). No songs
of topotypical parvirostris were heard during two days in appropriate
habitat at proper elevations. Playback experiments that I performed by
presenting songs of topotypical parvirostris to the birds below Pelechuco
elicited no response, but scolds of this taxon from Prov. Nor Yungas and
of S. schulenbergi caused previously undetected individuals to vocalize,
once with a song, and once with a scold. A single female was collected
(CBF No. 2646), which differs from a single female from Prov. Nor
Yungas (essentially topotypical parvirostris) in having slightly more
brown in the upper back and nuchal region, and somewhat less rufous-
brown in the flanks (differences that I suspect comparison of series would
show to be inconsistent). ! was not able to perform reverse playback
experiments. These two distinct song types apparently replace each other
somewhere in northern Bolivia, perhaps across the Rio Mapiri. Further
elucidation of this interesting situation awaits more field and biochemical
work.
Two types of repetitive scold/mobbing vocalizations are illustrated in
Fig. 6B and C. These are given by individuals from central La Paz south-
ward at least to Santa Cruz. Both seem to stimulate other birds to scold
as well. I do not know the difference in context in which these scolds are
610 THE WILSON BULLETIN ß Vol. 106, No. 4, December 1994
given, except that I have noted that the scold in Fig. 6C seems to be
given more frequently in response to the presence of an observer.
S. [femoralis' bolivianus.--This little-known taxon primarily inhabits
the interior of tall forest, favoring ravines and dark tangles at the edge of
light gaps. It is frequently heard in the dense, herbaceous vegetation along
roads in generally forested regions, mostly between about 1100 and 2300
m (pers. obs.). S. 'femoralis' bolivianus has an extensive vocal repertoire,
including variation in inter-syllable interval of the songs given by a single
individual (particularly apparent following tape playback). Part of a typ-
ical song, which does not include the beginning, is shown in the sonagram
on p. 431 of Fjeldsfi and Krabbe (1990). The scold consists of fewer
syllables than the scolds of other Bolivian Scytalopus, but is structured
similarly. I have one anomalous record of an individual that I heard sing-
ing at the remarkably high elevation of 2850 m below Pelechuco in Prov.
Franz Tamayo. Elsewhere in the northern half of Bolivia, only 'unicolor'
parvirostris is known to occur at this elevation. In the Pelechuco region,
however, true parvirostris appears to be replaced by another taxon (see
above). Further investigation could show this taxon to have a somewhat
different elevational distribution, or perhaps emoralis' bolivianus truly
occupies a wider elevational range in this part of Bolivia.
S. [m.] superciliaris.--A typical section of the long song of superci-
liaris, in which it delivers a labored series of conspicuously bisyllabic
notes in the pattern of nominate magellanicus to the south (see sonagram
p. 437 of Fjeldsfi and Krabbe 1990), and [m.] acutirostris to the north
(Fig. 5A), is shown in Fig. 4C. Nominate superciliaris lives in a wide
variety of habitats, from dry, rocky ravines well above treeline where the
dominant vegetation is Festuca sp. grass to rocky ravines and talus slopes
in the much more humid Alnus and "yungas" forests as low as about
1400 m (pers. obs.). The subspecies zimmeri, known to occur only in
Deptos. Chuquisaca and Tarija, "sounds like a superciliaris, but has the
stress on first instead of second syllable" (recording by J Fjelds, N.
Krabbe, pers. comm.). Both by voice and by plumage, N. Krabbe (pers.
comm.) considers zimmeri to be intermediate between nominate super-
ciliaris to the south and "simonsi" to the north, and favors merging the
three forms under superciliaris (the oldest name).
A female (LSUMNS 37781) collected by Steinbach in October 1937
at Colomi in the mountains of central Cochabamba (17ø21'S, 65ø52'W,
3800 m; Paynter 1992) may represent an intergrade between zimmeri and
acutirostris/"simonsi." It has a distinct white superciliary narrowly cross-
ing the forehead, and thick, dark bars on the rump, flanks, tail coverts,
and tail. The throat is slightly paler gray than the breast. Two additional
intergrades were collected in 1987 at "Khasa Punta Pampa near Rodeo
Whitney ß A NEW SCYTALOPUS FROM BOLIVIA 611
W of Vacas, Cochabamba (DNA analyzed)" (J. Fjelds, pers. comm.).
That zimmeri and acutirostris/"simonsi" might hybridize is not surprising
given the lack of an obvious geographic barrier, the fact that they at least
partially share the same habitat, and the relatively close similarity in their
songs. I expect that these two or other "species" of Scytalopus occasion-
ally interbreed, because many populations of Scytalopus (named or not)
are in direct contact with at least one other morphologically similar pop-
ulation, and this circumstance is compounded by the crowding effect re-
sulting from human alteration of natural habitats: different vocalizations
and habitats may not always ensure reproductive isolation. The lack of
external structural and plumage differentiation across the genus must also
make it very difficult or impossible for researchers to recognize a hybrid
individual in the vast majority of instances. However, under those rela-
tively rare circumstances in which one finds two vocally and morpholog-
ically similar but separable populations in geographical proximity, such
as the magellanicus form in central Cochabamba (whether correctly called
acutirostris or "simonsi") and superciliaris zimmeri, recognition of a hy-
brid should be comparatively easy.
S. [m.] acutirostris.--This taxon (which may properly be known as
simonsi; see above) inhabits rocky shrub/grassland above natural treeline.
It has a rather extensive vocal repertoire, including several characteristic
one- and two-note vocalizations that appear to function as alarm or pair
contact calls, and several vocalizations given mostly in response to tape
playback. After the song (Fig. 5A), the most commonly heard vocalization
is a descending, slightly accelerating series of "weenk" notes delivered
slowly enough to be counted easily (Fig. 5B). Similar kinds of vocali-
zations are given by the huge Pteroptochos tapaculos in Chile (pers. obs.).
This vocalization is certainly given by females (CBF No. 2642), often
while the male is singing, and it may be given by males as well. In any
event, it is delivered only once, and at irregular intervals. The scold in
Depto. La Paz is shown in Fig. 5C. I am perplexed by the fact that I have
not heard this scold (or any "substitute" scold) from birds in Depto.
Cochabamba, although I have encountered many individuals in several
localities there.
The "magellanicus group/complex," first defined in Zimmer's (1939)
strictly morphological classification, comprises "the smallest and at the
same time elevationally highest-ranging members of the genus," includ-
ing taxa from northwestern Venezuela south to Tierra del Fuego and the
Cape Horn Archipelago (Fjeldsh. and Krabbe 1990:437-443). These many
forms are currently treated (with the single exception of superciliaris)
either as a single species with numerous subspecies (Sibley and Monroe
1990) or as allospecies of a single superspecies (Fjelds and Krabbe 1990:
612 THE WILSON BULLETIN ß Vol. 106, No. 4, December 1994
437). There is, however, a clear break in song-types and, to a lesser extent,
habitats, within this assemblage at the "North Peruvian Low" (defined
by Vuilleumier 1984) in Depto. Cajamarca, northwestern Peru (pers.
obs.). Populations to the south of this barrier have songs that are a long
series (occasionally in excess of 3 min) of steadily cadenced, monosyl-
labic or bisyllabic notes (these occur from approximately the upper Hua-
11aga River valley southward to Cape Horn; Fjeldsfi and Krabbe 1990,
sonagrams pp. 437, 439, 440, top of 441; pers. obs.). In a few forms this
pattern is varied to a long series of short, burry notes (Fjeldsfi and Krabbe
1990, sonagrams pp. 437, bottom of 441, and top of 442; pers. obs.).
Populations to the north of the North Peruvian Low for which voices are
known have songs that consist of a single, vibrating trill several seconds
long (perhaps averaging 10-15 sec), in which individual syllables are
delivered at a rate of more than 30/sec, and which, in the taxon grisei-
collis, often begin with 1-3 short stutters, then continue without interrup-
tion, slowing slightly toward the end (pers. obs.). There are two anomalies
to this scenario: Hilty and Brown (1986:429) attributed a vocalization
transcribed as "a measured ser. of double whistles, ty-ook, ty-ook, ty-ook
ß.." to S. 'magellanicus' canus in Depto. Narifio, Colombia, and Fjeldsfi
and Krabbe (1990:442) suggested that birds from Cerro Chinguela, Depto.
Piura (north of the North Peruvian Low), may represent S. [m.] affinis,
which otherwise occurs only to the south of the North Peruvian Low, and
which sings a southern song type (sonagram p. 442). N. Krabbe considers
the song of canus unknown (pers. comm., contra Fjeldsfi and Krabbe
1990:443), and my field experience indicates that the "magellanicus"
population high on Cerro Chinguela sings a northern song type, which is
apparently the same as that of S. 'magellanicus' opacus of Ecuador, the
nearest form to the north. Additionally, it seems that northern populations
tend to favor woody vegetation and bamboo along the forest/pftramo eco-
tone more than the relatively open, rocky shrub/grassland inhabited by
most of the southern populations. Therefore, I recommend that the ma-
gellanicus complex be reorganized to allow these two high-altitude, geo-
graphically isolated, vocally distinct groups to stand on their own as su-
perspecies, maintaining the name magellanicus for populations south of
the North Peruvian Low that are vocally and genetically determined to
be allied to nominate magellanicus (I suspect that there is more than one
group within the southern assemblage) and establishing the name grisei-
collis for vocally and genetically related populations north of the North
Peruvian Low. Inherent in this reorganization is the reinstatement of grise-
icollis to species status. Species limits within these superspecies, and the
degree of relatedness of the two superspecies themselves, will require
Whitney ß A NEW SCALOPUS FROM BOLIVIA 613
further field and laboratory work to determine and, in any case, are be-
yond the scope of this paper.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I express my deepest gratitude to my friend and colleague Omar Rocha O. of the Museo
Nacional de Historia Natural in La Paz, without whose assistance in the field and the mu-
seum I could not have gathered the specimen material needed for this description. I am also
grateful to Jaime Sarmiento for access to the Colecci6n Boliviana de Fauna in the above
museum, and to Susan Davis, of the same museum, for preparing some of the specimens
and for loaning us her personal vehicle in the middle of a busy weekend in La Paz. Alan
Perry and Michelle Blair were generous and knowledgeable field companions, and I thank
Carmen Quiroga for her assistance in the field near La Paz. John Rowlett, with whom I
have spent much time in the field in Bolivia, worked closely with me on studying tapaculos,
always providing valuable insight. I thank J. V. Remsen, Jr. and Steven Cardiff of LSUMNS
for allowing me to study specimens in their care and to store temporarily the pertinent CBF
specimens. I thank Curtis Marantz for measuring the specimens involved in this study. Over
the past several years, I have benefitted from discussions with Niels Krabbe and Thomas
Schulenberg concerning vocalizations and systematics of Scytalopus, and I am grateful to
both of them. J. Arvin, G. Rosenberg, R. A. Rowlett, and D. Stejskal allowed me to examine
tapaculo recordings made by them. I thank Jon Fjelds, Mario Cohn-Haft, Morton and
Phyllis Isler, Niels Krabbe, John O'Neill, Thomas Schulenberg, and Douglas Storz, for their
criticisms of the manuscript, and Michael Braun for discussion of matters related to the
interpretation of biochemical data. Morton Isler prepared the distributional map. Jon Fjeldsfi
painted the frontispiece that accompanies this paper.
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COLOR PLATE
The frontispiece painting by Jon Fjeldsfi has been made possible by an endowment es-
tablished by George Miksch Sutton.