COTINGA 9 Some new information on the distribution of Venezuelan

Peter Boesman

Como resultado de la observación de aves en el campo durante los últimos 10 años, se presenta un resumen de nuevos datos de distribución de aves en . Los datos están organizados por área (20 en total) la mayoría de las áreas son poco conocidas. Las observaciones de mayor importancia se detallan en appendix 1. En Falcón, la Serranía de San Luis tiene muchas más especies típicas de las alturas subtropicales de la Cordillera de la Costa que previamente conocido, las serranías en el noreste de Falcón, de alturas bajas, tienen una avifauna abundante de especies de selva tropical, y áreas de agua dulce en esta misma parte de Falcón y el norte de son un refugio para muchas especies acuáticas poco conocidas. Los Andes en y no han sido estudiados tan profundamente como en Mérida, y por consecuencia se han descubierto importantes extensiones en la distribución de varias especies. En Mérida, se documenta indicaciones de una ruta migratoria muy importante a través del Valle del Río Santo Domingo. Las alturas bajas del Parque Nacional Tamá en Táchira (en el valle de los ríos Frío y Negro) y las áreas adjacentes en merecen mayor investigación en vista de algunas observaciones sorprendentes. Igualmente, los descubrimientos en islas del Río fueron inesperados. La selva del Río Caura en el norte de Bolívar alberga especies previamente conocidas solamente del estado de Amazonas, y la región del Río Grande en el noreste de Bolívar tiene una avifauna tipicamente Guyanesa. Podemos concluir que nuestro conocimiento de la distribución de aves en Venezuela todavia es muy incompleta. Queda demostrado que hasta investigaciones mínimas pueden descubrir nueva información y esperamos que esta publicación motive acelerar la investigación de aves en este pais.

Introduction there is still much to be discovered. Amazingly, an In the early 1980s, the Venezuelan avifauna was experienced observer travelling to almost any part probably the best known in tropical , of Venezuela will return with new information, principally due to the impressive work of W. H. whether it be on distribution, migration, Phelps and W. H. Phelps Jnr. Since then, and pos­ vocalisations, identification or behaviour. Thus, I sibly in consequence, comparatively little fieldwork have been able to compile much new information has been undertaken and the attention of on Venezuelan birds. Neotropical ornithologists has focused on the less The scope of this paper is to summarise new well-known avifaunas of, for example , inform ation on distribution. I hope it will motivate , and . With continuing research ornithologists to refocus on Venezuela and advance in these countries, it would seem th a t Venezuela is further studies of its avifauna. quickly losing its status as having one of the bet­ ter known tropical avifaunas. One example: if one Data presentation examines which country has the greatest number Through observations in areas covering much of of unknown or little-known , one of the Venezuela, I compiled over 1000 ‘elements’ of new characteristic Neotropical families, the answer, distributional information (for c. 400 species), each at present, would probably be Venezuela, with representing a dot on the blank part of a species’ Caura Percnostola caurensis, Yapacana distribution map (in the broad sense of a three- A ntbird M yrm eciza (?) d isju n cta , Grey-bellied dimensional map including altitudinal limits). A ntbird M. pelzelni, Recurve-billed Bushbird ‘New’ data is defined as that not published in Meyer Clytoctantes alixii, Great G rallaria de Schauensee & Phelps13. Rather than presenting excelsa, Tachira Antpitta G. chthonia, Scallop­ a long list in systematic order including all new breasted Antpitta Grallaricula loricata and Hooded records, their date, locality and some comments, I A ntpitta G. cucullata, amongst others, all virtually treat this new material by geographical area and unknown in the field. habitat, looking for those areas where most records After 10 years of fieldwork in Venezuela (the are concentrated, whilst trying to identify relation­ last seven years as a resident), I can confirm that ships and provide explanations. These areas are

2 7 9 New inform ation on distribution of Venezuelan birds

Top left Andean Cock-of-the-r ock (male), San Isidro road, . (Peter Boesman) Top right Andean Cock-of-the-r ock (female), San Isidro road, Barinas. (Peter Boesman) Middle left Spot-crowned Woodcreeper, Yacambú, Lara. (Peter Boesman) Middle right Immaculate Antbird (male), San Isidro road, Barinas. (Peter Boesman) Left Black-and-chestnut Eagle (immature), San Isidro road, Barinas. (Peter Boesman)

2 8 COTINGA 9 New information on distribution of Venezuelan birds

Map 1. Venezuela. The sites and numbers correspond to the numbered sections in the text. mostly little-known. Map 1 pinpoints the geo­ the state border and reaches its northernmost limit graphical areas treated. For the most important here. Similarly, the well-known Soledad and San range extensions, additional details are presented Isidro roads, north-west Barinas, lie in the Andean in Appendix 1. Map 2 identifies some little-known lower Santo Domingo valley, and have produced a areas in north-west Venezuela (bird records in the long list of first records for this typical state. text are linked to sites on this map by means of superscript letters). As an indication of how much 1. Inland wetlands of north-east Falcón and can be discovered even from one visit, the number north Carabobo (18 visits, 23 days) of visits and total number of days I have spent in The saltwater and brackish coastal wetlands of each area is presented in brackets, following which north-east Falcón are well known (e.g. Morrocoy a brief description of the area is given together with National Park). Less known are the many fresh­ the most interesting observations (from a distri­ water bodies away from the coast, which principally butional viewpoint). Some records were made by receive their water from the and Tocuyo other observers. If the original observer is known, rivers. The largest I have visited with some regu­ they are mentioned, but this has not always been larity are Tacarigua lake, the wet plains bordering possible. I am sure the late P. Schwartz, C. Parrish, Serranía de la Misión and San Pablo marsh. A. Altman, P. Alden, Mary Lou Goodwin, Steve Hilty Records of the following species are of distributional and guides from companies such as Field Guides interest: Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podicepsa, Inc. and Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, are among Anhinga Anhinga anhinga a,f,g, Stripe-backed the first observers for several records listed. By Bittern Ixobrychus involucrisa,f, Glossy Ibis Plegadis acknowledging these observers here, I hope credit falcinellusa,b, Horned Screamer A nhim a cornutaa,b,f, for the records will be considered as being shared Brazilian Duck Amazonetta brasiliensisa, Rusty- by all. flanked Crake Laterallus levraudia,b,f,g four sites7), As a final note, I would like to mention that Moorhen Gallinula chloropusa, Caribbean Coot new state records are not included, as these are of Fulica caribaea a,g and Pale-legged Hornero little ornithological significance, unless they are Fumarias leucopusa,b,d,f (common in east Falcón as also new to a specific geographical area or repre­ far as San Pablo, Carabobo, the easternmost sent an important range extension. For instance, record). Several of the waterbird species are quite during a visit to the Piacoa road in southern Delta common, illustrating the lack of fieldwork in this Amacuro more than 10 species new to the state area prior to the 1980s. For species lists for three were found. Most, however, were common in Sierra sites in this area, see5,6. de Imataca, north-east Bolívar, which just crosses

2 9 COTINGA 9 New inform ation on distribution of Venezuelan birds

m ajor, Short-tailed Antthrush C ham aeza campanisona , Rusty-breasted Antpitta Grallaricula ferrugineipectus, Bright-rumped Attila spadiceus , Yellow-olive Flycatcher Tolmomyias sulphurescens, Mountain Elaenia Elaenia frantzii, Southern Nightingale-Wren Microcerculus marginatus and Andean Solitaire Myadestes ralloides. Several of these species occur in the Coastal Cordillera and not the Venezuelan Andes, confirming the sierra’s apparently closer relationship to the former range. This suggests that the main reason for the limited distribution of the Coastal Cordilleran endemics is that they require a specific habitat only available in montane areas near the coast, and not found in the north Venezue­ lan Andes. In the dry northern foothills of the Sierra de San Luis, the avifauna is very different, one inter­ esting discovery being a small roost of the globally threatened Yellow-shouldered Parrot A m azona barbadensis. Surprisingly this area has received virtually no ornithological attention in recent dec­ ades. Much subtropical has already been La Soledad Trail, Barinas (Peter Boesman) converted into coffee plantations, including many places within the land declared a national park. Although the area is an important watershed for 2. Sierra de San Luis (2, 5) the city of Coro, the remaining subtropical forest This mountain range in central north-west Falcón would appear to be threatened by the same fate. reaches 1700 m and upper elevations are covered Further research may assist in reasserting the rea­ in subtropical forest, in extreme contrast to the dry sons for protecting this very interesting area. areas surrounding it. Although it cannot be com­ pared to Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, (the highest mountain range adjacent to the sea in the world), some endemic taxa might be expected. Additionally, the area is approximately equidistant from the Coastal Cordillera and the Venezuelan Andes, and affinities with both were also to be ex­ pected. Limited collections were made by Phelps, which resulted in a few interesting discoveries, e.g. Brown Tinamou Crypturellus obsoletus cerviniventris and Long-tailed Antbird Drymophila caudata, both species suggesting a closer relation­ ship with the Coastal Cordillera. My fieldwork confirmed the continued presence of the tinamou and antbird and, in addition, the following species were found, some representing quite important range extensions: Guttulate Fo­ liage-gleaner Syndactyla guttulata (previously considered endemic to the Coastal Cordillera; one was tape-recorded, thus satisfactorily excluding Lineated Foliage-gleaner S. subalaris, its Andean counterpart), Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner Philydor r u fu s , Venezuelan Antvireo Thamnomanes (leuctostictus ) tu c u y e n s is , Plain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis, Great Antshrike Taraba Map 2. North-west Venezuela.

3 0 COTINGA 9 N ew inform ation on distribution of Venezuelan birds

3. Coastal hills of north-east Falcon (7,8) where all habitats of the Cordillera are present (ex­ Interior north-east Falcon possesses several foot­ cept upper subtropical elevations), research has hill areas which hold very humid tropical forest. been rather limited. I have observed c. 400 species From west to east, they are the Mirimire hills, La in the area, including many Coastal Cordillera Misión hills and Yaracuy hills. Although I visited endemics. the latter, I concentrated on La Misión hills, in­ The following observations are of distributional cluding those on the drier peninsula in Morrocoy interest: Agami Heron Agamia agami, L east National Park. Their maximum elevation is a mere B ittern Ixobrychus exilisj, Rusty-flanked Crake 150 m. Laterallus levraudi, Paint-billed Crake Neocrex The following observations represent range-ex- erythropsh (750 m), Yellow-breasted Crake Porzana tensions: Grey Tinamou Tinam us taoc, Grey-headed flaviventerj (900 m), Caribbean Coot F u lica K ite Leptodon cayanensisd, White Hawk caribaeag, Sungrebe Heliornis f ulica, Grey-capped Leucopternis albicollis c, Barred Forest-Falcon Cuckoo Coccyzus lansbergig (300 m), Black-and- Micrastur ruficollisc, Lilac-tailed Parrotlet Touit w hite Owl Ciccaba nigrolineatai (900 m), Great batavicac (recorded by Howard Laidlaw), Specta­ Potoo Nyctibius grandish (750 m), Rufous Nightjar cled Owl Pulsatrix perspicillatac, Rufous N ightjar Caprimulgus rufus j, Venezuelan Antvireo Caprimulgus rufusd, Little Hermit Phaethornis Dysithamnus leucostictusk (1150 m), Tawny- longuemareusc, Blue-crowned Motmot Momotus crowned Pygmy-Tyrant Euscarthmus meloryphusg, momotad, Red-billed Scythebill Campylorhamphus Yellow-bellied Bristle-Tyrant Pogonotriccus trochilirostrisc,d, Rufous-winged Antwren flaviventrisi (750 m) and Golden-winged Warbler Herpsilochmus rufimarginatusc,d,e, Sooty-headed Vermivora chrysopterag (300 m). For species lists of Tyrannulet Phyllomyias griseicepsc, Short-tailed four areas in the Coastal Cordillera of Carabobo Pygmy-Tyrant Myiornis ecaudatusc (a range-exten­ see4,5. sion of c. 500 km and indicating that it may also occur in the foothills of the eastern Andes of Ven­ 5. Cordillera de Caripe (9, 19) ezuela), Pale-eyed Pygmy-Tyrant Atalotriccus This EBA has been extensively studied in the past, pilarisd, Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum and to a lesser extent recently3. Apart from the s y lv ia c, Thrush-like Schiffornis observations of four threatened species (White­ turdinusc, Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceusc, tailed Sabrewing Campylopterus ensipennis, Black-crowned Tityra Tityra inquisitorc, Southern White-throated Barbtail Premnoplex tatei, Grey­ Nightingale-Wren Microcerculus marginatusc and headed Warbler Basileuterus griseiceps an d Rosy Thrush-Tanager Rhodinocichla rosead. Venezuelan Flowerpiercer Diglossa venezuelensis), The presence of species such as Grey Tinamou, the following are of distributional interest (all from Barred Forest-Falcon and Rusty-breasted Antpitta, the Caripe–Cerro Negro area): Band-tailed Guan which normally occur in the upper tropical and Penelope argyrotis, Lilac-tailed Parrotlet Touit subtropical zones, provides an interesting batavica, White-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus illustration of the altitudinal compression cayennensis (1600 m), White-tipped Swift (Massenerhebung) effect in coastal humid hills. Aeronautes montivagus, Crested Spinetail This has been described for the mountains of the Cranioleuca subcristata and Scaled Antpitta Paria peninsula8, but is equally true of this area. guatemalensis (an important but rela­ Finally, several small ponds in this area pro­ tively unsurprising range extension, as the species vide excellent habitat for the threatened occurs on Isla de Margarita and Trinidad). Rusty-flanked Crake Laterallus levraudic7. Furthermore, an interesting wetland — Guamo Deforestation for agriculture is continuing dam at 550 m — provided the following interesting apace and unfortunately the main forested area new distributional records: Caribbean Coot Fulica lacks protection. La Misión hills together with the caribaea, White-tailed Goldenthroat P olytm us adjacent wetlands form a very rich area of c. 900 guainum bi, Tawny-headed Swallow Alopochelidon km2, in which I have recorded over 400 bird spe­ fucata and Giant Cowbird Scaphidura oryzivora, cies6. 4 as well as some interesting records from an elevational standpoint (e.g. Limpkin A ra m u s 4. Coastal Cordillera, Carabobo (24, 33) guarauna and Black Skim m er Rynchops nigra). The Coastal Cordillera is an Endemic Bird Area (EBA)15, and subject of much ornithological work, 6. Mountains of east Lara and Yaracuy (6, 14) principally around and in the famous The mountain ranges of east Lara and Yaracuy, Henri Pittier National Park. However, in Carabobo, which reach 2000 m, represent a bridge between

31 COTINGA 9 New inform ation on distribution of Venezuelan birds

elevations in the eastern Andes), Golden-faced Tyrannulet Tyranniscus viridiflavus (the northern­ most record of this species, which has since been observed a t several localities in the eastern Andes), Slaty-backed Nightingale-thrush Catharus fuscater (common), Fulvous-headed Tanager Thlypopsis fu lv ic e p s , Oriole Blackbird Gymnomystax mexicanus (1400 m) and Magpie Tanager Cissopis leverianus. Yacambú National Park is also a stronghold of the globally threatened Northern Helmeted Curassow Pauxi pauxi, which is commonly heard booming in February–March. For a checklist of Yacambú National Park, see10. Black Hawk-Eagle, Lower Río Caura forest, Bolívar. (Peter Boesman) 7. The high Andes of Trujillo and south Lara (4, 10) the Venezuelan Andes and Coastal Cordillera, and The Andes in Trujillo reach elevations over 3000 are thus a very interesting study area. Many An­ m and hold large areas of subtropical and temper­ dean species apparently used this bridge to extend ate forest. I principally focused on Guaramacal into the Coastal Cordillera, other typical Andean National Park, noting the following new occur­ species reach their northernmost limit here, and a rences there: Osprey Pandion haliaetus (2200 m), few endemics of the Coastal Cordillera reach their Band-winged Nightjar Caprimulgus longirostris, westernm ost lim its here (e.g. Blood-eared Parakeet Scaly-naped Amazon Amazona mercenaria, Green- Pyrrhura haematotis). At the subspecies level the fronted Lancebill Doryfera ludovicae, U ndulated / situation is even more interesting. Great Antpitta Grallaria excelsa / squamigera (see Notwithstanding the existence of three pro­ above), Grey-naped Antpitta Grallaria griseonucha tected areas (Yurubi National Park, Terepaima (recorded by Howard Laidlaw), Slate-crowned National Park and Yacambú National Park), the A n tp itta Grallaricula nana (2300 m), Barred area receives little ornithological attention (al­ Becard Pachyramphus versicolor, Rufous-crowned though Yacambú National Park has recently Pygmy-Tyrant Poecilotriccus ruficeps (formerly received some deserved and effective publicity). I known only from south of the Táchira gap, a 400- concentrated on the latter area, from where the km range extension) and Pale-footed Swallow following numerous range extensions come: Notiochelidon flavipes (a species only recently dis­ Anhinga Anhinga anhinga (1400 m), Masked Duck covered in Venezuela11,14). Oxyura dominica (1400 m), Black-crowned Night- More recently, I explored temperate forest Heron Nycticorax nycticorax (1 4 0 0 m), within the Dinira National Park on the Lara/ Rusty-flanked Crake Laterallus levraudi (1400 m), Trujillo border (09°42'N 70°03'W) — one of the north­ Caribbean Coot Fulica caribaea (1400 m), Blood­ ernmost areas of temperate forest in the eared Parakeet Pyrrhura haematotis, Grey-chinned Venezuelan Cordillera de los Andes. Many high An­ H erm it Phaethornis griseogularis, Crested Quetzal dean species reach their northern limit here. The Pharomachrus antisianus , Spot-crowned most remarkable observations were: Andean Snipe Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes affinis , A z a ra ’s Chubbia jamesoni (2500 m), Short-tailed Spinetail Synallaxis azarae, Lineated Foliage- N ighthaw k Lurocalis (semitorquatus) rufiventris, gleaner Syndactyla subalaris, Great / Undulated W hite-tipped Swift Aeronautes montivagus, White- A ntpitta Grallaria excelsa / squamigera (1700 m: an capped Parrot Pionus seniloides and Pale-footed Undulated Antpitta-type song which was tape-re­ Swallow N. flavipes (see above; this is the north­ corded may prove to be the unrecorded song of Great ernmost record). Further investigation of these A ntpitta, which is the only one of these two species areas is highly recommended. to have been collected in the area and is known from this elevation), Variegated Bristle-Tyrant 8. The high Andes of Mérida (7, 22) Pogonotriccus poecilotis, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow The temperate and páramo habitats in the state of Pyroderus scutatus, White-crowned Manakin Pipra Mérida are well-known endemic areas, and the oc­ pipra (a range extension of some c. 500 km: its oc­ currence of resident birds has been well currence here suggests it may occur at subtropical documented. Less known are movements of birds

3 2 COTINGA 9 New inform ation on distribution of Venezuelan birds

through this area. I have visited the upper Santo separately. The following species were observed Domingo valley many times and recorded the fol­ above their normal elevational limit: Least Grebe lowing movements of interest. Podiceps dominicus (2200 m, and apparently win­ a) Breeding birds tering in this area), Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps (3500 m), Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Several species perform seasonal movements, e.g. Sword-billed Hummingbird Ensifera ensifera and (3500 m), Great Egret Egretta alba (3000 m), Olivaceous Cormorant Phalacrocorax olivaceus Bearded Helmetcrest Oxypogon guerinii, both of (3500 m), Bare-faced Ibis Phimosus infuscatus which are usually only present in the rainy season (May–November). (3000 m), W hite-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus (2100 m), American Kestrel Falco sparverius (3500 m), b) Spring movements of northern migrants Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis (2100 m), In (the northern) spring, the Santo Domingo val­ Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata (3700 m) and ley acts as an im portant migration route. In adverse Tyrannus melancholicus (3000 weather conditions, huge numbers of m). migrants may be forced down at very high eleva­ tions. The following species have been recorded: d) Vagrants Some vagrants have been recorded, e.g. Lesser Blue-winged Teal Anas discors (3500 m), M erlin Falco columbarius (3000 m), Solitary Sandpiper Scaup Aythya affinis (3500 m). Tringa solitaria (3500 m), Yellow-billed Cuckoo 9. The subtropical eastern slope of the Andes Coccyzus americanus, Western Wood-Pewee (7, 15) Contopus sordidulus, Black-whiskered Vireo Vireo Subtropical elevations on the eastern slope of the altiloquus (breeds in the Caribbean), Red-eyed Andes extend for c. 500 km, from the Táchira gap Vireo V. olivaceus, Tennessee Warbler Vermivora in the south to the Lara and Yaracuy mountains peregrina, Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia, (see above) in the north. Surprisingly, this large Mourning Warbler Oporornis Philadelphia, Con­ area can only be penetrated in a few places, the necticut Warbler O. a g ilis, Blackpoll Warbler best known of which is the lower Santo Domingo Dendroica striata (all at 2900–3000 m), Ameri­ valley, approximately in the centre of this region. can R edstart Setophaga ruticilla (recorded to 3500 Two tracks lead to humid subtropical forest. The m), Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus (4000 m). list of range extensions is large: Red-winged c) Movements of birds from the lowlands P arro tlet Touit dilectissimus, Pavonine Cuckoo Equally interesting are those species which appar­ Dromococcyx pavoninus, Lyre-tailed Nightjar ently follow the Santo Domingo valley from the Uropsalis lyra (1500 m, also seen at 1200 m in this lowlands, reaching elevations above their normal area by David Ascanio and others), Grey-chinned distribution. It is unclear if some of these repre­ H erm it Phaethornis griseogularis, Tawny-throated sent colonisation, due to continuing deforestation, Leaftosser Sclerurus mexicanus (formerly known or if they are post-breeding or wandering move­ only from Sierra de Perijá and southern Venezuela), ments. Each case should probably be considered Rufous-rumped Antwren Terenura callinota (R. S. Ridgely pers. comm.; formerly known only from Sierra de Perijá), Immaculate Antbird Myrmeciza im m aculata, Rusty-breasted Antpitta Grallaricula ferrugineipectus , Andean Cock-of-the-r ock Rupicola peruviana (formerly known only from Táchira until its discovery here in the 1980s), Golden-winged Manakin M asius chrysopterus, Cliff Flycatcher Hirundinea ferruginea (formerly known only from Sierra de Perijá and south of the Orinoco until its discovery by P. Alden in 1969), Variegated Bristle-Tyrant Pogonotriccus poecilotis (1400 m), Spotted Nightingale-Thrush Catharus dryas, Or­ ange-eared Tanager Chlorochrysa calliparaea (a new species for Venezuela when discovered here by Steve Hilty in 1987, a range extension of over 500 km), Subtropical Cacique Cacicus microrhynchus Bearded Bellbird (female/immature), Caño Colorado, (formerly only known from Sierra de Perijá) and . (Peter Boesman) Louisiana Waterthrush Seiurus motacilla.

3 3 COTINGA 9 N ew inform ation on distribution of Venezuelan birds

It is expected that most of these species have a species collected by Phelps (mostly in the Río more-or-less continuous distribution along the Chiquito valley) have gone unrecorded since (e.g. entire eastern slope but, as already stated, confir­ Táchira Antpitta Grallaria chthonia and Hooded mation of this is difficult due to limited access to A ntpitta Grallaricula cucullata). Others, however, the area. have been refound (by Steve Hilty, Bret Whitney and myself independently) in the Río Táchira val­ 10. The subtropical western slope of the Andes ley, e.g. Venezuelan Wood-quail Odontophorus (1, 3) columbianus and Rufous-breasted Flycatcher Even more poorly known are subtropical elevations Leptopogon rufipectus. Additionally, we confirmed in the western Venezuelan Andes. I have only in­ the presence of Ashy-headed Tyrannulet vestigated this zone along the Azulita road. Phyllomyias cinereiceps, not recorded in Venezuela Interesting range extensions were as follows: until its discovery in 1988 by Bret Whitney9, and Pavonine Cuckoo Dromococcyx pavoninus, Wedge- added Variegated Bristle-Tyrant Pogonotriccus billed Hummingbird Schistes geoffroyi, Olivaceous p o e c ilo tis and Southern Nightingale-Wren Piculet Picumnus olivaceus, Grey-throated Warbler Microcerculus marginatus (1800 m). 12* Basileuterus cinereicollis (first discovered here by Other interesting observations from north of the Steve Hilty), Golden-winged Manakin M asius Táchira gap are: Rufous-banded Owl Ciccaba chrysopterus (previously only recorded from the albitarsi s, Lined Quail-Dove Geotrygon linearis eastern slope) and Moustached Brushf inch (2750 m), Slate-crowned Antpitta Grallaricula Atlapetes albofrenatus (1350 m). Further investi­ nana (2700 and 2800 m, altitudes sim ilar to those gation of this zone is urgently required, as no from where it has recently been discovered in the protected areas have been established here. East Andes of Colombia1), Agile Tit-Tyrant Anairetes Steve H ilty and I have been able to tape-record agilis (Páramo del Batallón) and Slaty-backed both Grey-throated and White-lored Warblers Hemispingus Hemispingus goeringi (P áram o Basileuterus conspicillata (the latter from the del Batallón, a new site for this threatened en­ Santa Marta mountains, Colombia). Although demic). White-lored Warbler has been considered closely related (or even a subspecies) of Russet-crowned 13. Foothills and lowlands of eastern Táchira and W arbler B. coronatus, its vocalisations are very dif­ western Apure (1, 6) ferent from B. coronatus, and much closer to Whilst higher altitudes of the Andes in Táchira Grey-throated Warbler. Furthermore, White-lored have recently received renewed ornithological at­ Warbler is confined to elevations similar to Grey- tention, the same cannot be said for the foothills throated Warbler, below that of Russet-crowned and lowlands of eastern Táchira and western Apure. Warbler (where the species occurs sympatrically Continued presence of Colombian guerillas in this with Grey-throated Warbler). I therefore believe area is certainly not an incentive to conduct re­ that White-lored Warbler is most closely related to search. However, this is another area of particular Grey-throated Warbler. interest, as many species of essentially Amazonian distribution reach their northern limits here. 11. Eastern slope foothills (4, 4) In the east, I visited the eastern San Camillo Foothills along the eastern slope are much less forest (north of La Victoria). This area has now been accessible than the higher subtropical elevations almost completely deforested. Of interest was the and very few accessible areas remain undisturbed. occurrence of Azure Gallinule P o rp h y ru la I observed Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher flavirostris, Cinereous Becard Pachyramphus rufus Todirostrum nigriceps (Barinas, ), sug­ and Cinnamon Attila A ttila cinnam om eus, the la t­ gesting occurrence through much of the foothills, ter a significant range extension. and Cocoa Thrush Turdus fumigatus (Barinas). I From the west, I investigated foothills along the recommend further investigation of the Tucupido Ríos Frío and Negro (part of the Tamá National Dam area (Portuguesa). Park). Im portant range extensions were as follows: Fasciated Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma fasciatum , 12. Higher elevations in Táchira (1, 11) Crimson-rumped Toucanet Aulacorhynchus Higher elevations in Táchira, both north and south haematopygus (previously known only from Sierra of the Táchira gap, were investigated thoroughly de Perijá). Outside normal elevational limits were: by Phelps; more recently several ornithologists have Many-banded Aracari Pteroglossus pluricinctus visited the area. Subtropical elevations south of the (550 m), Rose-breasted Grosbeak P heucticus Táchira gap are particularly interesting, as many ludovicianus (480 m) and Solitary Black Cacique

3 4 COTINGA 9 New inform ation on distribution of Venezuelan birds

Cacicus solitarius (450 m). I highly recommend further investigation of this area. Even further west, in the lower Río Chiquito valley, I recorded Sooty-headed Tyrannulet Phyllomyias griseiceps and Yellow-billed Toucanet Aulacorhynchus calorhynchus (930 m).

14. Orinoco river islands, Amazonas (1, 1) The small river islands in the Orinoco river, south of Puerto Ayacucho, had apparently received no previous ornithological coverage. These islands con­ sist of rocky boulders and white-sand flats, partially covered with early successional low vegetation (with denser scrub and small trees on some islands, although these appeared less interesting). Visits in June 1996 by Steve Hilty, and by myself in April 1997, discovered the following: Rusty-backed Spinetail Cranioleuca vulpina, River Tyrannulet hypoleuca, Lesser Wagtail-Tyrant Stigmatura napensis (the first and second records Lower Rio Caura forest, Bolivar (Peter Boesman) of this species in Venezuela and the Orinoco basin, c. 1000 km from its previous known range in the White-tailed Goldenthroat Polytmus guainumbi, , this species was discovered in the Tawny-tufted Toucanet Selenidera nattereri, early successional vegetation and appeared quite Brown-breasted Puffbird Notharchus ordii (first common), Riverside Tyrant Knipolegus orenocensis, observed by B. Masters and R. Komuniecki; two Orange-headed Tanager Thlypopsis sórdida and pairs of this rare species were found at active Chestnut-bellied Seedeater S p o ro p h ila nests), Striped Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus castaneiventris (formerly only known in Venezuela obsoletus, Rufous-bellied Antwren from the Río Negro in the extreme south of the coun­ g u tta ta , Spot-backed Antwren Herpsilochmus try). dorsimaculatus, Saffron-crested Tyrant-Manakin Neopelma chrysocephalum , Dusky-chested Fly­ 15. Savannas in north-west Amazonas (2, 4) catcher Myiodynastes luteiventris, Citron-bellied North-west Amazonas has mainly white-sand soil A ttila Attila citriniventris, supporting savanna habitat, w ith the only forested hypopyrra , Pale-bellied Mourner areas being along the many rivers through this area immunda (apparently first recorded and on patches of red soil. Steve Hilty and I found in this area by Field Guides Inc., this is another the following species in a variety of habitats: Red- new species for Venezuela), Rufous-crowned bellied Macaw Ara manilata , Green-tailed Elaenia Elaenia ruficeps and Plumbeous Goldenthroat Polytmus theresiae, Point-tailed Euphonia plumbea. For a more complete treatm ent Palmcreeper Berlepschia rikeri (which apparently of this area see16. occurs in most areas south of the Orinoco with Moriche palms), White-browed Purpletuft 17. Caura forest (5, 16) Iodopleura isabellae, Dusky-chested Flycatcher Caura forest is the most northerly forest with es­ Tyrannopsis luteiventris and W hite-bellied Dacnis sentially an Amazonian avifauna. In consequence, Dacnis albiventris. Most of these records represent many species reach their northern limit there. Ar­ only minor range extensions, but suggest that the eas visited consisted prim arily of terra firme forest area had not been thoroughly investigated previ­ with patches of riverine forest near the Río Caura. ously. The following observations are of interest: Undu- lated / Red-legged Tinamou Crypturellus undulatus / 16. Sandy-belt forest in Amazonas (1, 7) erythropus (intermediate vocalisations were tape- The only easily accessible site in this region is recorded in humid forest; neither species has Junglaven/Camani area16. I noted the following previously been recorded in this area), Red-throated range extensions during a seven-day visit in No­ C aracara Daptrius americanus, M arbled Wood- vember 1993: Blue-and-yellow Macaw A ra quail Odontophorus gujanensis, Upland Sandpiper ararauna, Rufous Nightjar Caprimulgus rufus, Bartramia longicauda (in savanna habitat in the

3 5 COTINGA 9 New inform ation on distribution of Venezuelan birds

same area), Black-banded Owl Ciccaba nigrolineata Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum, Short-tailed Pygmy- (first discovered by C. Parrish), Crested Owl Tyr a n t Myiornis ecaudatus, Violaceous Jay Lophostrix clamator, Long-tailed Potoo Nyctibius Cyanocorax violaceus, Rose-breasted Chat aethereus, Rufous Nightjar Caprimulgus rufus, Granatellus pelzelni, Turquoise Tanager Tangara Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift Panyptila cayennensis, m exicana, Golden-sided Euphonia E u p honia Black-throated Trogon Trogon rufus, Chestnut cayennensis and Magpie Tanager C issopis Woodpecker Celeus elegans, Chestnut-crowned Fo­ leverianus. This area is still one of the best places liage-gleaner Automolus rufipileatus, in Venezuela to observe Guianan lowland forest Stipple-throated Wren Myrmotherula haematonota, species and it can only be hoped that no further Grey Antwren M. menetriesii, Dot-backed Antbird logging will take place (although this unfortunately Hylophylax punctulatus, Wing-barred Manakin appears unlikely). Piprites chloris, Dusky-chested Flycatcher Tyrannopsis luteiventris, Grey-capped Flycatcher 19. Várzea forest and wetlands in north-east Myiozetetes granadensis, Pale-bellied Mourner Venezuela (21, 23) Rhytipterna immunda, Bare-eyed Thrush Turdus One site, Caño Colorado, has been previously de­ nudigenis, Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina, scribed2. Since then, more species have been added Plumbeous Euphonia Euphonia plumbea and to the area’s bird list, of which the following are of White-vented Euphonia E. minuta. I observed c. 250 interest: Black Caracara Daptrius ater (in south­ species in forest habitat. The general area holds ern ), Peregrine Falcon Falco several other habitat-types with different bird spe­ peregrinus, Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica cies, making the lower Río Caura area a very rich (two locations; north-east Venezuela seems particu­ area deserving real protection. larly attractive to godwits12), Red-bellied Macaw Ara manilata and Lineated Woodcreeper 18. North-east Bolívar (6, 20) Lepidocolaptes albolineatus. The Rio Grande area of north-east Bolivar has been extensively visited by many ornithologists in re­ 20. The Llanos of Monagas (8, 8) cent decades. Unfortunately, this is an area where Ornithologically there is little difference between deforestation and mining activities, both legal and the savannas of Monagas and the savannas and illegal, have destroyed large areas of primary for­ llanos habitat of the western llanos states. Still, est. The area is probably best known for its there are some differences, e.g. I have observed no relatively high density of Harpy Eagle H arpía ibis spp. in Monagas. The following species had not harpyja. Observations of distributional interest are: previously been recorded in this area: Comb Duck Capped Heron Pilherodius pileatus, Greater Yel­ Sarkidiornis melanotos (this species is rath er com­ low-headed Vulture Cathartes melambrotus, mon in the rainy season), Pinnated Bittern White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus (presumably due Botaurus pinnatus, Whistling Heron Syrigm a to deforestation), Slaty-backed Forest-Falcon sibilatrix, many shorebirds (which are normally Micrastur mirandollei, Sungrebe Heliornis f ulica, considered coastal species) e.g. Short-billed Dusky-billed Parrotlet Forpus sclateri, Lilac-tailed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus, Red-bellied Ara Parrotlet Touit batavica, Caica Parrot Pionopsitta m anilata and Red-shouldered Macaws A. nobilis, caica, Red-fan Parrot Deroptyus accipitrinus, and Sulphury Flycatcher Tyrannopsis sulphurea. Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl Otus watsonii, G reat Potoo Nyctibius grandis, Band-rumped Swift Chaetura spinicauda, Grey-breasted Sabrewing Campylopterus largipennis, Racket-tailed Co­ quette Discosura longicauda, Paradise Jacamar Galbula dea, Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper Dendrexetastes rufigula (a new species for Ven­ ezuela when discovered in the late 1970s, although its discovery has not previously been mentioned in the literature), Ferruginous-backed Antbird Myrmeciza ferruginea , Pink-throated Becard Platypsaris minor, W hite-throated Kingbird Tyrannus albogularis (observed with S. Hilty, this is probably the northernm ost observation of a prob­ able Austral migrant), Painted Tody-Flycatcher Várzea forest, Junglaven, Amazonas. (Peter Boesman)

3 6 COTINGA 9 New inform ation on distribution of Venezuelan birds

C o n clu sio n 4. Boesman, P. (1995) Preliminary list of the birds As already stated, the above-mentioned areas vary of Hacienda Guataparo in Valencia, Venezuela. from popular birding sites to localities almost Privately published. unvisited by ornithologists. Areas also falling into 5. Boesman, P. (1996) B ird list of Casa Maria and the latter category which I have been unable to visit adjacent areas (Carabobo, Venezuela). P ri­ include: the Sierra de Perijá and lowlands of west vately published. (21), the area south of the Lago 6. Boesman, P. (1997) Bird list o f the areas around basin (22), the foothills of the western Andean slope Campo Lindo (Falcón, Venezuela). Privately (23) and southern Amazonas (24). Most of these published. were visited by Phelps, but by very few, if any, field 7. Boesman, P (1997) Recent observations of the ornithologists in more recent decades. Knowledge Rusty-flanked Crake Laterallus levraudi. of their avifaunas is based almost entirely on speci­ Cotinga 7: 39– 42. mens. It is expected that much new information 8. Collar, N. J., Gonzaga, L. P, Krabbe, N., Madroño will come in due course from these areas. Nieto, A., Naranjo, L. G., Parker, T. A. & Wege, Although I have tried to sum m arise the bulk of D. C. (1992) Threatened birds of the Americas: my observations by geographical area, several oth­ the ICBP/IUCN Red Data Book. Cambridge, ers outside of these areas remain unmentioned, UK: International Council for Bird Preserva­ particularly relating to new elevational data. An­ tion. other category, with many range extensions, are 9. Fjeldså, J. & Krabbe, N. (1990) The birds of the difficult-to-collect species (e.g. water-birds, raptors, high Andes. Copenhagen: Zoological Museum, swifts and swallows) and for which distributional University of Copenhagen & Svendborg: data in Meyer de Schauensee & Phelps13 are rather Apollo Books. incomplete. These will be treated in the forthcom­ 10. Goodwin, M. L. & Lentino, M. (1990) Lista ing update to the guide of the birds of Venezuela parcial de las aves del Parque Nacional by Steve Hilty, for which all my information has Yacambú, Estado Lara, Venezuela. Caracas: been provided. Anyone requiring additional details Sociedad Conservacionista Audubon de Ven­ of observations mentioned here (for which there are ezuela. photographs or tape-recordings of many), are in­ 11. Lentino, M. (1988) Notiochelidon flavipes: a vited to request them. swallow new to Venezuela. Bull. Brit. Orn. It is clear that in each of the 24 areas mentioned, Club 108: 111– 119. more thorough investigation will certainly reveal 12. Mercier, F., McNeil, R. & Rodriguez, J. R. (1987) new information, and is therefore highly recom­ First occurrence of Bar-tailed Godwit in South mended. America and status of the Marbled Godwit in northeastern Venezuela. J. Field Ornith. 58: Acknowledgements 78–80. I would like to thank Steve Hilty for encouraging 13. Meyer de Schauensee, R. & Phelps, W. (1994) me to publish my observations, Chris Sharpe for Una guía de aves de Venezuela. Caracas: Ex his useful comments, Howard Laidlaw for forward­ Libris. ing several of his observations and Leila Boesman 14. Ryan, T. P. & Lentino, M. (1995) An additional for assistance in the field. record of the Pale-footed Swallow Notiochelidon flavipes from Venezuela. Bull. R e fe r e n c e s Brit. Orn. Club 115: 28–29. 1. Andrade. G. & Lozano, I. (1997) Ocurrencia del 15. Wege, D. C. & Long, A. J. (1995) Key Areas for Hormiguero de Corona Pizarra Grallaricula threatened birds in the Neotropics. Cambridge, nana en la Reserva Biológica Carpanta, UK: BirdLife International (Conservation Se­ macizo de Chingaza, Cordillera Oriental ries 5). Colombiana. Cotinga 7: 37– 38. 16. Zimmer, K. J. & Hilty, S. L. (1997) Birds of 2. Boesman, P. (1995) Caño Colorado: a lowland Junglaven Camp: a preliminary survey of a tropical forest in north-east Venezuela. new site in Amazonas, Venezuela. Orn. Cotinga 3: 31– 34. Monogr. 48: 865-885. 3. Boesman, P. & Curson, J. (1995) Grey-headed Warbler in danger of extinction? Cotinga 3: Peter Boesman 35–39. 2102 Broken Hill, Van Buren, AR, USA.

3 7 COTINGA 9 New inform ation on distribution of Venezuelan birds

Appendix 1. Details of the most important records (distance from normal distribution is based on Meyer de Schauensee & Phelps 1978)

Most of these are uncommon. Whenever a species appears to be common this is mentioned. Evidence of tape-record- ings / photographs is mentioned.

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Laguna Mucubaji, Mérida, 12 April 1992 at 3600 m (vs. 0–500 m)

Great Egret Egretta alba Los Frailes, Mérida, 2 May 1992, 15 April 1997 at 3,000 m (vs. 0–300m)

Agami Heron Agamia agami Cachinche dam, Carabobo, 24 December 1997, few records north of Orinoco

Fasciated Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma fasciatum Río Negro, Táchira, 26 December 1996, c. 300-km range extension

Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis Caño Colorado, Monagas, 25 August 1994, tape-recorded

Lake Guataparo, Carabobo, quite common

Bare-faced Ibis Phimosus infuscatus Los Frailes, Mérida, 28 January 1991 at 3000 m (vs. 0– 1950m)

Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Laguna Mucubaji, Mérida, 1 March 1991 at 3600 m (vagrant 0–500 m)

Slaty-backed Forest-Falcon Micrastur mirandollei Río Grande, Bolívar, 14 February 1994, c. 250-km range extension (with H. Laidlaw)

Barred Forest-Falcon Micrastur ruficollis La Misión, Falcon, 1 February 1997 at 150 m (vs. 1200–2500 m), tape-recorded

Blue-throated Piping-Guan Pipile pipile Caño Colorado, Monagas, 29 May 1994, c. 250-km range extension (with H. Laidlaw)

Common Gallinule Gallínula chloropus Yacambú, Lara, common, 1400 m (vs. 0–500 m), tape-recorded

Caribbean Coot Fulica caribaea Breeds in Yacambú, Lara (pulli from March–June), common, 1400 m (vs. 0–500 m), tape-recorded

Tacarigua dam, Falcó n, uncommon

El Guamo, Monagas, quite common

Canoabo dam, Carabobo, uncommon (previously only a few records)

S u n g reb e Heliornis fulica Cachinche dam, Carabobo, apparently quite common (24 December 1997), c.500-km range extension

Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis Santo Domingo, Mérida, 2100 m (vs. 0– 1200 m), quite common

Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica Caño Colorado, Monagas, 25 July 1993

Boca de Macareo, Delta Amacuro, 19 October 1994 (only a few records)

Blue-and-yellow Macaw Ara ararauna Junglaven, Amazonas, 2 November 1993, c. 200-km range extension

Grey-capped Cuckoo Coccyzus lansbergi Canoabo dam, Carabobo, 300 m (only a few records)

Pavonine Cuckoo Dromococcyx pavoninus San Isidro road, Barinas, generally present in January–March, tape-recorded, vocal pre-dawn

La Azulita road, Mérida, 26 February 1995, tape-recorded

Previously not mentioned for the Andes

Crested Owl Lophostrix cristata Lower Río Caura, Bolívar, common, tape-recorded

Previously only known from Táchira

Great Potoo Nyctibius grandis Casa María, Carabobo, 800 m (vs. 0–300 m), vocal in spring

Lyre-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis lyra San Isidro road, Barinas, 21 February 1993, 1500 m (vs.2500–3000 m)

Rack et-tailed Coquette Discosura longicauda Río Grande, Bolívar, 5 August 1988, c. 500-km range extension

Crimson-rumped Toucanet Aulacorhynchus haematopygus Río Frío, Táchira, 26 December 1996, c. 300-km range extension

3 8 COTINGA 9 N ew inform ation on distribution of Venezuelan birds

Spot-crowned Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes affinis Yacambú, Lara, 15 May 1993, photographed, c. 200-km range extension (in between tw o different subspecies)

Pale-legged Hornero Furnarius leucopus San Pablo, Carabobo, several observations, c. 300-km range extension (also many observations in between)

Guttulate Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla guttulata Sierra San Luis, Falcón, 30 April 1995, tape-recorded, c. 150-km range extension

Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner Philydor rufus Sierra San Luis, Falcó n, 30 April 1995, c. 150- km range extension

Tawny-throated Leaftosser Sclerurus rufigularis San Isidro, Barinas, several observations, tape-recorded, c. 300-km range extension

Great Antshrike Taraba major Sierra San Luis, Falcó n, 29 April 1995, tape-recorded, c. 150-km range extension

Im m a c u la te A n tb ird Myrmeciza immaculata La Soledad and San Isidro, Barinas, quite common, photographed and tape-recorded, c. 100-km range extension

Short-tailed Antthrush Chamaeza campanisona Sierra San Luis, Falcon, common, tape-recorded, c. 150-km range extension

Scaled Antpitta Grallaria guatimalensis Cerro Negro, Monagas, 7 August and 27 August 1994, tape-recorded, c. 200-km range extension

White-crowned Manakin Pipra pipra Yacambú, Lara, 3 August 1997, tape-recorded, c.400-km range extension

Saffron-crested Tyrant-M anakin Neopelma chrysocephalum Junglaven, Amazonas, 1 November 1993, tape-recorded, c. 200-km range extension

W hite-throated Kingbird Tyrannus albogularis El Palmar, Bolívar, 1 July 1994 (with S. Hilty), probably southern migrant

Dusky-chested Flycatcher Tyrannopsis luteiventris most northern record: lower Río Caura, Bolívar, tape-recorded, c. 300-km range extension

most western record: near Puerto Ayacucho, Amazonas, tape-recorded, c. 400-km range extension

Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus common in Coastal Cordillera, from Falcó n to , tape-recorded, c.200-km range extension

Cinnamon Attila Attila cinnamomeus Río Sarare, Apure, 30 December 1996, tape-recorded, c. 300-km range extension

Citron-bellied Attila Attila citriniventris Junglaven, Amazonas, 3 November 1993, tape-recorded, c. 200-km range extension

Rufous-crowned Tody-Tyrant Poecilotriccus ruficeps Guaramacal, Trujillo, 10 October 1992, c. 300-km range extension

Short-tailed Pygmy-Tyrant Myiornis ecaudatus La Misión, Falcó n, 1 February 1997, tape-recorded, c. 150-km range extension

Variegated Bristle-Tyrant Phylloscartes poecilotis Yacambú, Lara, 3 August 1997, c. 100-km range extension

Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus Los Frailes, Mérida, 12 April 1997, 3000 m (vs. 0– 1650 m)

Pale-footed Swallow Notiochelidon murina Guaramacal, Trujillo, quite common, tape-recorded, c. 100-km range extension

Humocaro Alto-Carache, Lara/Trujillo, tape-recorded, c. 150- km range extension

Southern Nightingale-Wren Microcerculus marginatus Sierra San Luis, Falcó n, common, tape-recorded, c. 150-km range extension

Andean Solitaire Myadestes ralloides Sierra San Luis, Falcó n, 30 April 1995, tape-recorded, c. 150- km range extension

Subtropical Cacique Cacicus microrhynchus San Isidro, Barinas, several observations, tape-recorded, c. 250-km range extension

B o b o lin k Dolichonyx oryzivorus Pico El Aguila, Mérida, 2 May 1992, 4000 m (vs. 0–500 m)

T e nnessee W a r b le r Vermivora peregrina Lower Río Caura, Bolí var, 2 January 1991, c. 400- km range extension

Louisiana W aterthrush Seiurus motacilla San Isidro road, Barinas, 27 February 1995, only a few records for Venezuela

Plumbeous Euphonia Euphonia plumbea Lower Río Caura, Bolívar, 2 January 1991, c. 350-km range extension

Moustached Brush- Atlapet es albofrenatus La Azulita road, Mérida, 26 February 1995, 1350 m (vs. 2100–2500 m)

Chestnut-bellied Seedeater Sporophila castaneiventris Orinoco islands, Amazonas, 29 March 1997, c. 400-km range extension

3 9