Field Identification of Phylloscartes and Phyllomyias Tyrannulets in the Atlantic Forest Region

COTINGA 10 Field identification of Phylloscartes and Phyllomyias tyrannulets in the Atlantic forest region

Robert P. Clay, Joe A. Tobias, James C. Lowen and David Beadle

Las mosquetas de los generos Phylloscartes y Phyllomyias estan consideradas entre las aves mas dificiles de identificar en el Neotr6pico. Discutimos aqui los caracteres diagn6sticos de 15 especies encontradas en la region del bosque Atlantico de Brasil, Argentina y Paraguay. Una combinaci6n de elementos de! plumaje, comportamiento y vocalizaciones permiten identificar casi todas !as mosquetas en el campo. Por lo menos 11 de las 15 especies poseen problemas de conservaci6n. Una identificaci6n certera es un prerequisito para evaluar efectivamente su estatus y distribuci6n, y se espera que este articulo sea una herramienta benefica en la colecta de datos sobre estas especies, muchas de las cuales permanecen poco conocidas.

Os tiranideos dos generos Phylloscartes e Phyllomyias sao considerados como sendo algumas das aves mais dificeis de serem identificadas do Neotr6pico. N6s discutimos as caracteristicas diagn6sticas de 15 especies encontradas na regiao da Floresta Atlantica do Brasil, Argentina e Paraguai. Uma combinai;ao de caracteres de plumagem, caracteristicas comportamentais e vocalizai;oes permitem que a maioria destes tiranideos possam ser identificados no campo. Pelo menos 11 das 15 especies sao importantes desde o ponto de vista da sua conservai;ao. A sua correta identificai;ao e um pre-requisito para que os seus status e distribuii;oes possam ser determinados de forma efetiva, e se espera que este artigo se torne uma util ferramenta na coleta de novos dados sobre estas especies, varias das quais continuam sendo muito pouco conhecidas.

There are quite a dozen species of these birds somewhat like one another and hard to separate in the dim lights and shades of the forest. Their habits differ but slightly, so there is very little to say about them ... Chubb (1910)6.

2 18 Introduction than 50,000 km in five Endemic BirdAreas , while The genera Phylloscartes and Phyllomyias comprise four species are considered Threatened and six 8 c.30 species of small tyrant-flycatchers distributed near-threatened by Collar et al. • In addition, the from Costa Rica to northern Argentina. Many are recently described Bahia Tyrannulet Phylloscartes notoriously difficult to identify. We discuss the field beckeri is presumably threatened by the massive 10 identification of the 15 species occurring in the destruction of humid forest in its restricted range . Atlantic forest region of eastern Brazil, eastern The plight of several tyrannulet species depend­ Paraguay and north-east Argentina. Whilst almost ent on the Atlantic forest and associated habitats all these species have previously been treated (and is discussed in depth by Collar et al. 7 while various several illustrated) by Ridgely & Tudor14, this arti­ sites important for their conservation are identi­ 24 cle aims to add further information concerning the fied by Wege & Long • birds identification and distribution, and correct a few inaccurate details in published accounts. Taxonomy 22 23 Until comparatively recently · , Phylloscartes com­ Conservation prised three genera: true Phylloscartes, the A huge area of the Atlantic forest has been de­ monotypic Leptotriccus and the Pogonotriccus bris­ stroyed during the course of the past century as a tle-tyrants. A re-evaluation of morphological result of agricultural and industrial development differences, in conjunction with an assessment of 9 in the region . This reduction in the area of habitat behavioural characteristics, will probably return 14 available for regionally endemic birds increases the Phylloscartes to smaller generic units • Moreover, likelihood of their extinction3.4. Of the 15 species even the true Phylloscartes complex comprises a considered here, at least 11 are of global conserva­ polyphyletic assemblage that exhibits considerable tion concern, although in several cases this probably morphological and behavioural differences between results from a paucity of data rather than low popu­ individual species or groups of species'°. In addi­ lation sizes. Seven species occupy ranges of less tion, there is an increasing tendency to incorporate

82 COTINGA 10 Field identification of Phylloscartes and Phyllomyias tyrannulets

structure and plumage such as tail-length, wing­ length, primary projection, face pattern and tertial fringes. It is important to bear in mind that moult and wear can impinge on these differences and care should thus be taken to assess the state of plum­ age in each case. Despite morphological differences, wing-barred Phylloscartes and Phyllomyias tyrannulets are of­ ten confused in the field. The Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet group comprises four similar species in the Atlantic forest region (Phylloscartes ventra­ lis, Restinga Tyrannulet Phylloscartes hronei, Bahia Tyrannulet Phylloscartes becheri and Alagoas Tyrannulet Phylloscartes ceciliae), with only a sin­ gle representative at any given site. Fortunately, Map I. The location of political units named in the text. all these species can be distinguished from Apart from the countries of Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay Phyllomyias tyrannulets by the broad pale spot on and Argentina, all named units are states in Brazil. the outer web of each tertial tip (see Fig. 1). In con­ trast, Phyllomyias tyrannulets of the Atlantic forest Yellow Tyrannulet Capsiempis flaveola (see photo) region have tertials with yellowish fringes that are into Phylloscartes, where it was placed by Traylor22 either uniform in width or taper towards the tip. on morphological grounds. However, Lanyon12 con­ Another useful indication is the pinched-in tail-base sidered this taxon to be closer to Phaeomyias. We of Phylloscartes, the tail being more uniform in do not discuss it here because it is behaviourally width in Phyllomyias, although slightly narrower and vocally highly distinct and easily identified by at the base in Phyllomyias virescens. Furthermore, 11 its all yellow face and underparts ' • the four members of the Mottled-cheeked The current genus Phyllomyias includes two ob­ Tyrannulet group generally give a more lightly solete genera: Xanthomyias andAcrochordopus. Da built, dainty impression than do Phyllomyias Silva 16 highlights the possibility that further stud­ tyrannulets. With practice, Phyllomyias ies may lead to the resurrection of the genus tyrannulets can always be safely distinguished Xanthomyias for Greenish Tyrannulet Phyllomyias from wing-barred Phylloscartes by a combination virescens and Reiser's Tyrannulet P reiseri, which of jizz and tertial pattern. may also include Urich's Tyrannulet P. (virescens) One species regularly mistaken for a urichi of Venezuela (undoubtedly a valid species, Phyllomyias or Phylloscartes tyrannulet is the Grey though not yet formally described as such) and Elaenia Myiopagis caniceps, particularly young Sclater's Tyrannulet P sclateri of the Andes. In birds or females high in the canopy. The almost general, current opinion indicates a reversal of the constant tyrannulet-like posture and foraging be­ trend towards taxonomic homogeneity which as­ haviour of this bird (at least the nominate Atlantic sembled Phylloscartes and Phyllomyias earlier this forest subspecies) is not referred to in the avail­ century. able literature and creates a trap for the unwary.

Identification issues All 15 species are small, relatively long-tailed fly­ catchers with green upperparts and yellow or grey underparts. They are most frequently observed ac­ companying mixed-species flocks and can be divided broadly into species with wing-bars (five Phyllomyias taxa and four closely related Phylloscartes, hereafter referred to as the Mottle­ cheeked Tyrannulet Phylloscartes ventralis group) and a heterogenous assortment of species lacking, or almost lacking wing-bars (the remaining Phylloscartes taxa). Major identification problems arise within the former group. The following spe­ Figure I. Outlines comparing simple tertial patterns of cies sections frequently refer to differences in Phylloscartes ventralis and Phyllomyias tyrannulets.

83 COT/NGA 10 Field identification of Phylloscartes and Phyllomyias tyrannulets

In general this species is more compact and shorter­ terminal spot. The underparts of P uentralis are tailed than other species dealt with in this article mostly pale yellow, washed olive across the breast, and it is often found in pairs, at which time the contrasting with the paler greyish white throat. distinctively pallid, grey- mantled male is easily The tarsi and feet are dark grey, and the bill is identified. blackish with a pale pink base to the lower mandi­ ble. Mean tarsus length of P uentralis is 18.9 mm The Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet group (range 18.4-19.5 mm, N = 5), while that of Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet Phylloscartes ventra/is Phyllomyias uirescensis 16.1 mm (range 15.9-16.6 Conservation status: Low risk mm , N = 4), providing a measurement for instant This slender and distinctly long-tailed species is in-the-hand identification. the most commonly observed tyrannulet in the re­ This species usually forages actively in the sub­ gion and should form the basis of comparison with canopy of forest, or quite low in secondary other species. The English na me of this species is vegetation. The tail is often partially cocked, though perhaps misleading as the dusky mottling on whit­ never quivered from side-to-side (cf. Phylloscart es ish cheeks is usually inconspicuous. It h as a oustaleti). Foraging birds tend to give a quiet con­ whitish supraloral line and eye-ring, and a fine tact call: a dry pit or chit and occasionally pitip. In dusky eyestripe extending to the ear- coverts. The addition, a brief whirring noise is often audible dur­ upperparts are generally olive-green, with duskier ing short fli ghts between perches. The so ng is wings and tail, their blackish brown basal colour variable but based on a fairly loud, brief twitter, contrasting with yellow-olive fringes to the outer ge nerally with one or two introductory notes: chip­ webs ofremiges and rectrices. Two conspicuous pale chip-chititititititip. wing-bars, on the median and greater coverts, con­ trast markedly with their blackish brown bases and Restinga Tyrannulet Phylloscartes kronei the uniform blackish brown primary coverts. Me­ Conservation status: Vulnerable dian coverts have complete whitish tips whereas This species is very similar to P uentralis. In good greater coverts are tipped on the outer web only so light, the face is noticeably more yellow, the post­ that the upper wing-bar appears more solid. All auricular crescent usually appears darker, and the three tertials are brownish black, each marked crown and mantle are brighter green. The bill av­ with a co ntrasting whitish yellow fringe on the erages slightly longer than in Mottle-cheeked 26 outer web which widens abruptly to a broad ter­ Tyrannulet and the tail slightly shorter , but struc­ minal spot while the inner webs are unmarked. tural differences are not apparent in the field. The innermost two seconclaries (especially the in­ In general, P hronei is identifiable by habitat, nermo st) also have a small, less co nspicuous range and voice. It is restricted to sanely woodlands a t sea-level fro m Sao Paulo south to Santa Catarina, Brazil, and adj acent riverine forest of the 13 26 Ribeira valley, Sao Paulo · , where it usually for­ ages actively in the crowns oflow trees. Renold & Ramos Neto 13 report that P hronei appears, at least during the breeding season, to prefer swampy ar­ eas with standing pools of water. P uentralis is absent from the area. In addition, the distinctive

Map 2. Distribution of three members of the Mottle­ cheeked Tyrannulet Phyl/oscartes ventralis group: Phylloscartes ceci/iae (black area), P. beckeri (triangles) and P. ventralis (grey area) including new sites for P. beckeri' 0 (G . Kirwan in litt. 1998). Phylloscartes ventralis also occurs in 13 26 the Andes but this portion of its range is not mapped. Map 3 Distribution of Phylloscartes kronei · •

84 COTINGA 10 Field identification of Phylloscartes and Phyllomyias tyrannulets

20 call is very different from any vocalisation of P ven­ bers of the P ventralis group . Further more, the tralis: a frequent loud disyllabic chuwup, or psirip. vocalisations of P ceciliae are distinct fro m other The song is a rapid twittering, more prolonged than members of the genus. Teixei.ra20 describes a peep­ P ventralis26• ing sequence djii, djii ... sometimes sharper and faster ii.riiriit, ii.rii.riit .. . and a single incon spicuous Bahia Tyrannulet Phylloscartes beckeri thii.p. Conservation status: Not evaluated Gonzaga & Pacheco 10 present the fo ll owing detail s. Assorted Phylloscartes without wing-bars P beckeri differs from other tyrannulets in the Minas Gerais Tyrannulet Phylloscartes roquettei Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet group in having a buff Conservation status: Endangered supraloral stripe and eye-ring rather than a whit­ This species is known from the type-l ocality (Brejo ish or yell ow supercilium. It ha a distinctly darker, J a nuaria in northern Minas Gerais) 25 and a prob­ 18 greyish green crown blending into a brighter green able recent report 40 km north-east of there • It is back, whereas P ventra. lis and P kronei have crowns the only Phylloscartes within this limited range. 11 concolorous with upperparts. The wing markings Ridgely & Tudor • consider that P roquettei closely of P beckeri are more pronounced than P ventralis resembl es the geographically remote Rufous-lored as a result of darker bases to the remiges a nd cov­ Tyrannulet P fla viventris from north-west South erts. P beckeri is further di stinguished by its less Am erica, but lacks that species' pale yellowish su­ oli vaceou breast, paler yellow belly, and paler grey percilium and has a yellower rump. P roquettei can tarsi and feet. In the fi eld it appear smaller and be distinguished from other Phylloscartes by its more li ghtly built than P ventralis (B. Whitney in combination of reddish oc hre forehead, lores and Litt. 1997). ocu lar area, fairly bright yellow underparts and two 17 20 25 Again, range and voice are the most usefu l clues clear greenish yellow wing-bars · • Willis & Oniki to the identification of this species. It occurs in hu­ co mm ent tha t in the fi eld P roquettei appears mid hill forest in Bahi a, Brazil , where it is usuall y golden rather than reddish on the head. They add encountered associating wi th mixed- species fl oc ks, that the species hops co nstantly, often cocking its foraging in the ca nopy or subcanopy (though de­ tail above the horizontal or raising its wings slightly scending to lower strata a long ridge-tops). It is as it forages, sall ying short distances for insects. currently known from only three sites-the Serra The co ntact call of P roquettei is a sharp peep and do Ou ricana near Boa Nova, Chapada Di amantina it song i a fa st, twittering pr'r'r'r'it tit-tit-tit and ltatingui-all well outside the ra nge of P ven­ (- t) 26 . tralis. The main feature of the song of P beckeri is its variety of relatively weak no tes, in co ntrast to the so ngs of P ventralis a nd P cecilia.e which are simpler, more level-pitc hed ser ies of louder, re­ peated notes. The species a lso has a quiet co ntact ca ll , tran cribed as tik, probabl y similar to P ve n­ tralis.

Alagoas Tyrannulet Phylloscartes ceciliae Conservation status: Endangered The identification of thi s species is straightforward as it is the only Phy lloscartes known from AJ agoa , where it survives at two locali ties: Pedra Branca, 8 near Murici, and Pedra Talhada Biological Reserve . Map 4 Di stribution of Phy/loscartes roquettei25 (R. S. R. In any case, it is easil y di stingui shed from other Williams in litt. 1998). tyrannulets in the P ventralis group by its promi­ nent fac ia l markings a nd largely whiti s h Oustalet's Tyrannulet Phylloscartes ousta/eti underpartsw. The face pattern is particularly in­ Conservation status: Near-Threatened tricate with an ashy black eye-stripe from the lores This is a di stinctive tyrannulet, immedi ately rec­ fo rming a co mplete bo rder around the ear- coverts. ognisabl e by jizz and voice. It has a co nspicuous A narrow black oblique stripe joins the eyestripe yell owi sh lower mandible and a strong fa ce pat­ to a line bordering the cheeks. On average, P tern (a conspicuous wid e yellow eye- ring and rear ceciliae is slightly longer winged, longer tail ed, border to a dusky green auricular patch). Although shorter billed and shorter legged than other mem- this is uperficiall y similar to the pattern of P

85 COTINGA 10 Field identification of Phylloscartes and Phyllomyias tyrannulets

Map 5 Distribution of Phyfloscartes oustaleti with records Map 6. Distribution of Phyl/oscartes paulistus with recent 15 11 18 15 5 south to Santa Catarina and north to Bahia • data from Paraguay , Santa Catarina and Argentina • pauListus, the latter species has a very different Importantly, P. pauListus is the smallest jizz, is much smaller overall, virtually lacks an eye­ Phylloscartes, usually appearing tiny in the field. ring and has a weak yellow supercilium wrapping Behaviourally, it appears closest to Pogonotriccus around a dark green auricular patch. Furthermore, bristle-tyrants a nd should probably be included where P. oustaLeti and P. pauListus overlap, the first­ within that genus (B. Whitney in Litt. 1997). Like named tends to be more abunda nt at higher Pogonotriccus it usuall y perches with an upright elevation where pauListus is absent'. posture in the mid-storey, almost never cocking its P. oustaLeti perches with a horizontal po ture, tail or drooping its wings but frequently perform­ its long tail cocked at 45-60° (sometimes vertically, ing tylised wing-lifts. Its foraging behaviour is also especially when excited) and constantly quivered. typical of Pogonotriccus as it tends to sally for in­ This quivering motion is laterally oriented (i.e. ide­ sects and dart rapidly between perche rather than to-side) and immediately distinctive (B. Whitney make constant gleaning movements. P. pauListus in Litt. 1997). Both P. uentraLis a nd P. oustaLeti are pauses motionless far more frequently than P. rarely stationary when foraging. Several individu­ oustaLeti or the P. uentraLis group. Its quiet but dis­ als often forage together in mixed-species flocks in tinctive call, once learnt, usually reveals the pecies' the mid-storey or subcanopy, drawing attention presence: a soft rolling tsi-di-dip or swe-eet with with a sharp insistent twik, frequently expanded emphasis on the first syll able. Occa ionally a to twidili or twididih. These calls can sometimes shorter swip or sweit is given. be delivered quietly and softly, but with the same distinctive intonation. Serra do Mar Tyrannulet Phylloscartes diffici/is Conservation status: Near-Threatened Sao Paulo Tyrannulet Phylloscartes paulistus Another di tinctive tyrannulet, easily separated Conservation status: Vulnerable from other species treated here by its combination The only obvious feature of this relatively of bright olive upperparts, ash- grey underparts, unpatterned species is a dark a uricul ar patch prominent white eye-ring and white supraloral line. (reminiscent of Southern Bristle-tyrant P. P. di((iciLis has no wing-bars, but its remiges have eximius or Sepia-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon relatively prominent yellowish fringes. It is closer amaurocephaLus but noticeably greenish in tone) in plumage to Eye-ringed Tody-tyrant Hemitriccus with a broad lemon-yellow rear border which is the orbita.tus than to other Phylloscartes. However, continuation of a narrow yellowish supercilium. the e two species are very different in other re­ Nevertheless, the face pattern often appears rela­ spect (i.e. voice, jizz, behaviour) and never occur tively indistinct. The remiges (including the together, H. orbitatus being confined to lower alti­ tertials) have prominent but diffuse yellowish tudes. fringes. Birds in fresh plumage have paler (more P. di((iciLis is endemic to the mountains of yellow) tips to the wing-coverts, occasionally pro­ south-ea t Brazil where it occurs generall y above ducing a slightly wing-barred effect. The leg and 1,000 m. Unlike its congeners it tends not to follow basal lower mandible of this species are co nspicu­ mixed-species flocks and forages primarily in the ously pale pinkish. The tail is sli ghtly forked with undergrowth, rarely being found more than 4 m a pinched-in base. from the ground. The vocalisations of P. di((iciLis are also unusual. It is usually detected in dense

86 COTINGA 10 Field identification of Phylloscartes and Phyllomyias tyrannulets

P. sylviolus is a very lively bird, frequently en­ countered in small groups at the forest edge. Its long, slender, constantly half-cocked tail produces a distinctive silhouette, the overall impression be­ ing surprisingly reminiscent of a gnatcatcher Polioptila. It appears to favour forest edge more than its congeners, more often being encountered in nearby palms or dead trees outside the forest. Aleixo & Galetti 1 noted that it was "recorded only in edges, secondary and logged forest". It usually gives a rapid tri yllabic ca ll similar in tempo to P. paulistus, but with emphasis on the downwardly inflected fi­ Map 7. Distribution of Phylloscartes difficilis. nal syll able: tsi-di-diu or si-si-sut. The song is a vegetation by a brief grating krrrrr, and a distinc­ rapid twittering series of similar notes: swit-swi­ tive snapping noise which is apparently made by swi-swi-swi-swe,de,de,de,de,-swi-swi. the wings (B. Whitney in Litt. 1997 contra Ridgely 1 1 & Tudor • ). Southern Bristle-tyrant Phylloscartes eximius Conservation status: Near-Threatened Bay-ringed Tyrannulet Phyl/oscartes sylviolus This is the most distinctive species treated here, Conservation status: Near-Threatened and deserves recognition in the separate genus Until recently this species was placed in the Pogonotriccus (along with the other, mainly Andean, monotypic genus Leptotriccus but both morpholog­ bristle-tyrants). P eximius has a prominent white ica I ly and behaviourally it is close to true upercilium (variably grizzled with grey), contrast­ 22 Phylloscartes . P. sylviolus is smaller and more ing with the prominent blackish lores and auricular slender than P. ventralis with bright olive patch. This contrast is further enhanced by the upperparts contrasting with whitish (often appear­ greyer crown, yellow face and yellow rear border to ing clean white) underparts. The lores and ocular the auricular patch. The conspicuous white colora­ area are a distinctive rufous-chestnut though this tion in its bright and co mplex face pattern is difficult to discern in poor light. This face pat­ eparates P eximius from the smaller and co nsid­ tern is not s hared by a ny other sympatric erably more active P paulistus. A word of caution: tyrannulet and is further emphasised by a whitish juvenile P. eximius have duller, more uniform plum­ iris. The wings are duller than the upperparts, with age and more closely resemble P. paulistus. The prominent yellowish olive fringing to the remiges, upperparts of P eximius are very bright olive, with but no wing-bars. The throat and vent are often duller wings and tail, and the underparts are very tinged pale huffy yell ow. The huffy vent is visible bright yellow. The yellowish fringing prominent at long range and is a useful identification feature on the remiges occa ionally extends to the wing­ for this canopy tyrannid, although Grey Elaenia coverts, creating a n indistinct wing-barred often shows a similar yellowish vent. effect.

Map 8. Distribution of Phyl/oscartes sylvio/us including Map 9. Distribution of Phylloscartes eximius including new 5 15 5 recent information from Argentina , Santa Catarina and information from Argentina , Minas Gerais U· Maza r 15 Paraguay (RPC, JL). Barnett in litt. 1998) and Santa Catarina •

87 COTINGA 10 Field identification of Phylloscartes and Phyllomyias tyrannulets

It can be readily di stinguished from all but P difficilis and P paulistus by its habit of perching vertically and remaining still for long periods. It also regul arly performs a characteristic wing- rais­ i ng in a manner simila r to Mionectes a nd Leptopogon fl ycatcher . P eximius is fo und in the lower or middle growth of forest, sometime fol­ lowing mixed-species flocks (contra Ridgely & 11 Tudor · ) at lea t within their territory. It is fre­ quently detected by a short dry trill, slightly accelerating a nd rising in pi tc h: chchchchchchchichi. Al though, once learnt, this vocali sation is rela tive ly di stinctive, it can be 2 6 matched quite closely by Phyllomyias virescens. Map I O. Distribution of Phyllomyias virescens ·' (Cotinga 9: 89).

Phyllomyias tyrannulets on the outermost tertial. In co ntrast, Phylloscartes Gi ve n good views, Phyllomyias tyrannulets can be ventraLis has prominent terminal spots on the outer separated from Phylloscartes tyrannulets by their web of all tertials and the innermost two econd­ shorter, stubbier bills and in many ea e by the aries. Furthermore, the ground colour of the e tertial pattern differences depicted in Fig. 1. With feathers is Jes blackish tha n on Phylloscartes ven­ the notabl e exception of Phyllomyias virescens, they tralis a nd thus the frin ges are less conspicuous tend to perch in a more vertical posture tha n the overall (B . Whitney in Litt . 1997). Though subtle, Phylloscartes ventraLis group, usually without coc k­ these di fferences are urprisingly easy to see in the ing their tail s or drooping their wings. Their ta il s fi eld, especially when birds are viewed fro m behind. are, however, sometimes cocked to around 45°, es­ Other helpful plumage characteristics include pecia ll y when agitated after tape-pl aybac k (B. the sli ghtly stronger face pattern of Phyllomyias Whitney in Litt . 1997). Members of this genus fre­ virescens which often shows a more prominent grey­ quently forage on mistletoe berries and ca n b.e ish gri zzling to the lores and cheeks and a more observed wiping seeds on branches after regurgi­ obvious whi tish eye-ring and supraloral area. The tation (B. Whitney in Litt. 1997). pale supercilium end s abruptly just after the eye. In Phylloscartes ventraLis the supraloral spot 1s Greenish Tyrannulet Phyllomyias (Xanthomyias) smaller, while the supercilium usually tapers to a virescens Conservation status: Low risk point furt he r behind t he eye. Additiona ll y, This is the species most likely to be confused with Phyllomyias virescens tends to show a sli ghtly paler Phylloscartes ventralis (and its close relatives). At tlu-oat than Phylloscartes ventraLis. In the fi eld this firs t gla nce, Phy llomy ias virescens a nd empha i es the con trast between the throat and Phylloscartes ventraLis appear to have almo t id ~ n­ t he da rker yellow-gr een breast. On some tical plumage. In addi tion, unlike other Phyllomyws Phyllomyias virescens the breast is patchily infused tyra n n ulets treated here, virescens freq uen ~ l y with oli ve so that the breast ides can appear al­ perches hori zo nta ll y, its ta il half-cocked a nd 1t.s most streaked. wings sli ghtly drooped (see photo), thus super.f1- Two str uctural differences are particul arl y di­ cia ll y r esembling Phy lloscartes ve ntra lis . agnostic. The first is the horter, stubbier bill of Phyllomyias virescens i , however, a di stinctly Phyllomyias virescens wi th a more extensive pale larger, bulkier, thicker-set bird whose jizz and tail base to the lower ma ndible. ote there is a tran- angle are somewhat reminiscent ofToL momyias fl y­ catchers: viewed laterall y the body and tail are usuall y held in a shallow V-shape (the accompany­ ing fi eld photographs demonstrate this posture). Plate (page 89) The most reli abl e differentiating plumage fea ture Atlantic Forest tyrannulets. Clockwise from top left: Bay­ is the tertial pattern. Phyllomyias virescens has ringed Tyrannulet Phylloscartes sylviolus, Southern Bristle-. fri ngi ng to the outer webs of the tertia ls whi ch, if tyrant P. eximius (head), Ouscalet's Tyrannulet P. ous!alet1 , anything, narrows toward the tip a nd extends Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet P. ventralis, Greenish Tyrannulet slightly onto the inner web. This fringing is broad­ Phyllomyias virescens, Pianalto Tyrannulet P. (asciaws, Rough­ legged Tyrannulet P. burmeisteri, Grey-capped Tyrannulet P. est a nd palest on the innermost tertia l, but griseocapilla, and Sao Paulo Tyrannulet Phyl/oscartes pau/1sws narrower and more yellow-green (with a paler tip) (David Beadle)

88 COTINGA 10 Field identification of Phylloscartes and Phyllomyias tyrannulets

89 COT/NGA 10 Field identification of Phy/loscartes and Phyllomyias tyrannulets

11 19 scription error in Ridgely & Tudor's • text for Phyllomyias uirescens, Stotz reviewed the status Phyllomyias uirescens. They state that "Mottle­ and identification features of Phyllomyias reiseri cheeked is shorter-billed and lacks the grizzled and conclu ded that the taxon should be co nsidered effect." In this case "Mottle-cheeked" should read a separate species. However, Teixeira et al. 21 exam­ "Greenish" (R. S. Ridgely in litt. 1994), but, ironi­ ined some of the same specimens and suggested 22 23 cally, the latter point does not hold for most that Traylor's · previous treatment of reiseri as a Phyllomyias uirescens. The second important struc­ subspecies of Phyllomyias uirescens was perhaps tural difference is tail shape which partially derives correct. A more recent re-assessment of the taxo­ from differences in the shape of individual rectrices nomic status of reiseri is based on an analysis of (those of Phylloscartes uentralis are co nsiderabl y nearly all specimens used by previous authors plus more pointed than the relatively truncate feathers new specimens and ecological information from 6 of Phyllomyias uirescens). Although individual central Brazil1 . It was concluded that P reiseri dif­ feather shape is of little use in the field, the over­ fers in plumage, voice and habitat requirements a ll effect is quite distinctive (i.e. Phyllomyias from P uirescens and should be regarded as a di s­ uirescens shows a slightly more broad-based, tinct species. square-ended tail). The primary projection of Da Silva 16 fo und the fo llowing characters, also 19 Phyllomyias ui rescens is longer than that of doc umented by Stotz , to be important in di stin­ Phylloscartes uentralis, although this is not a par­ gui shing P reiseri from P uirescens: pale yellow ticularly useful character in the field (B. Whitney underparts with only a vague oli ve wash across the in litt. 1997). breast; bright yellow-green upperparts; crown Phyllomyias uirescens occurs in the mid-storey feathers tipped grey, and lores and cheek yellow­ and subcanopy of forest, appearing especially fon d ish white. However, the other features suggested 1 1 of secondary vegetation and edge habitat. The co m­ by Stotz ! (w hi ter wing- bars, ear-coverts not tipped monest vocalisation is a distinctive hurried series olive, shorter wings and tail of reiseri) are not co n­ 16 of chi or eh notes, rapidly delivered for one second sistent across the set of 19 specimens . There is at an even pace but dropping in pitch midway. Two an almost co mplete overla p in wing and tail meas­ apparent variants involve the call series being given urements between P reiseri and P ui rescens. Most at uniform pitch and pace, or initially rising in pitch examined specimens of reiseri have greenish yel­ prior to fa lling and slowing at the encl . The so ng low wing-bars similar in colour to P uirescens, and elaborates on the same theme, starting with a rapid three reiseri specim ens had ear-coverts tipped as series of staccato chh notes, then rising in pitch and extensively with olive . In addition, a few slowing into longer notes before dropping in pi tch Phyllomyias uirescens mist-netted or observed in again at the end. Belton2 transcribed this as chh­ Paraguay in 1992-1995 showed restricted greyish chli-chh-chh-chh-che-eeee-eeee-eeee-eeee-chu-choo. tips to the crown feathers, but all other features were typical of Phyllomyias uirescens. Reiser's Tyrannulet Phyllomyias (Xanthomyias) reiseri It is most freq uently found in gall ery forest in Conservation status: Near-Threatened the cerrado region, where it habituall y perches low Until recently this species was very poorly known, down, often just 1- 2 m above the ground. Willis & having been considered either a valid species or Oniki20 recorded the song as a rough dow nscale merely a subspecies of Phyllomyias uirescens. Hav­ briu-briu-briu-briu-briu-briu-briu, quite unlike ing fo und four specimens previously identifi ed as that of Phyllomyias ui rescens.

Rough-legged Tyrannulet Ph yllomyias (Acrochordopus) burmeisteri Conservation status: Low risk This is another species often considered very diffi­ cult to identify in the field when not vocalising. Structurall y, however, Phyllomyias burmeisteri is the most distinctive member of its genus in the region, being co mparatively short-tailed and long­ winged. Both features are noticeable in the field , making the species appear ch unky, especially in co mpariso n to the Phylloscartes uentralis group. If good views are obtained, it is possible to detect the relatively long projection of primary tips beyond 6 19 Map 11 . Site localiti es for Phyllomyias reiseri ' · ""''· the tertials (two-thirds the length of the exposed

90 COTINGA 10 Field identification of Phylloscartes and Phyllomyias tyrannulets

burmeisteri shows little, if any, contrast between the throat and the breast. Occasional birds have a paler chin, or even throat, thus exhibiting a con­ trast more similar to that shown by P. virescens. Additionally, the underparts of P. bunneisteri are a slightly duller, dirtier yellow, with the breast and throat faintly streaked olive, giving a less clean ap­ pearance than P. virescens. In the hand, or with exceptionally close field views, the "rough legs" are obvious. P. burmeisteri is found in the canopy of forest interior and edge, usually revealing its presence Map 12 Distribution of Phyflomyias burmeisteri including (and confirming its identity) with a high-pitched new information from Rio Grande do Sul 2 (Cotinga 9: 89) series of thin see notes, sometimes up to 30 and 11 and Bahia • slightly descending in pitch. tertials for P. burmeisteri co mpared to a third to a Planalto Tyrannulet Phyl/omyias fasciatus half for other Phyllomyias and Phylloscartes Conservation status: Low risk tyrannulets). It is also separated from this group Paradoxically, this species' drabness renders it one by the tertial pattern and tail shape differences of the more distinctive Atlantic forest Phyllomyias outlined under Greenish Tyrannulet (Fig. 1 and tyrannulets. Structurally and behaviourally it re­ plate). P. bunneisteri also shows fine pale tips and sembles a shorter winged, longer tailed version of fringing to the outer webs of the rectrices. This is P. burmeisteri. It has a very short stubby bill, with especially apparent from below, and under some the lower mandible appearing all dark, although light conditions a fine pale fringe to the tail tip can there is a restricted pale basal area occasionally be surprisingly obvious. This feature is not exhib­ visible in the field. On some birds there are quite ited by Phyllomy ias virescens or Phylloscartes strong grey tones on the crown, especially the ventral is. forecrown. One of the most diagnostic features of The wings of P. fasciatus are relatively uniform Phyllomyias burmeisteri is the almost co mpletely with dull olive wing-bars and fringing when com­ pale pinkish lower mandible, occasionally and vari­ pared with the brighter, more contrasting patterns ably tipped darker. It is worth bearing in mind, of Phylloscartes ventralis, Phyllomyias virescens however, that the lower mandible of Phyllomyias and P. bu.rmeisteri. The greater and median cov­ virescens can show an extensive pale base. The face erts have dull olive tips which do not contrast with pattern of P. burmeisteri is somewhat similar to P. the scapulars. This weak contrast is further reduced virescens: a prominent pale ocular area and short because the basal wing colour of P. fasciatus is dark broad supercilium terminating above the eye con­ brown, whereas that of other Phyllomyias trasts weakly with the dusky lores. It has a tyrannulets and the Phylloscartes ventralis group relatively upright stance, with the tail held below is more blackish brown. The primary fringes are the line of the wings. Occasionally, however, birds perch horizontally with the wings drooped and the tail partially cocked. P. burmeisteri has duller wing-bars than either Phylloscartes ventralis or Phyllomyias virescens, best appreciated by comparing the wing-bar and scapular coloration. In Phyllomyias burmeisteri this contrast is weak because the yellow-olive tips to the median and greater coverts are only slightly brighter than the upperparts. In Phylloscartes ven­ tral is and Phyllomyias virescens, however, the bright yellow-green tips to the coverts contrast strongly with the duller olive scapulars and man­ tle. The mantle and scapulars of P. burmeisteri are similar in colour and tone to P. virescens, but the Map 13 Distribution of Phyflomyias fasciatus including recent range extensions in Rio Grande do Sul' (Cotinga 9: farmer's crown tends to be slightly duller. P. 5 89) and Argentina •

91 COTINGA 10 Field identification of Phylloscartes and Phyllomyias tyrannulets

4

6 7 8

92 COTINGA 10 Field identification of Phylloscartes and Phyllomyias tyrannulets

9 10 II

I. Sao Paulo Tyrannulet Phylloscartes pau/istus, Estancia The subspecies which occurs in the Atlantic for­ Nunez, Paraguay, August 1995 Qoe Tobias) est region (P. f. brevirostris) has duller upperparts 2. Bay-ringed Tyrannulet Phy/loscartes sylviolus, Parque than other Phyllomyias tyrannulets, this being Nacional Caaguazu, Paraguay, July 1995 Qames C. most noticeable on the crown. In brevirostris the Lowen) olive tone of the upperparts is strongest on the 3. Greenish Tyrannulet Phy/lomyias virescens, San Rafael, lower back and rump, becoming progressively grey­ Paraguay, August 1995 Qoe Tobias) brown towards the crown. The nominate race and 4. Greenish Tyrannulet Phyllomyias virescens, Parque cearae (northern part of range south to Goias and Nacional Caaguazu, Paraguay, August 1995 Qoe Tobias) southern Mato Grosso, Brazil) are slightly smaller and duller then brevirostris, with somewhat greyer 5. Yellow Tyrannulet Capsiempis flaveo/a, San Rafael, crowns. The 'underparts of P fasciatus Paraguay, August 1995 Qoe Tobias) are also the dullest of all the region's Phyllomyias tyrannulets. 6. Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet Phy/loscartes ventra/is, San One Antonio, Paraguay, August 1995 Qane Reid) fairly obvious feature, visible in good light con­ ditions, is the contrast between the grey throat and 7. Southern Bristle-tyrant Phy/loscartes eximius, San Rafael, Paraguay, August 1995 Qoe Tobias) the yellow underparts which are heavily washed olive (but not faintly streaked), especially on the 8. Southern Bristle-tyrant Phylloscartes eximius, Parque Nacional Caaguazu, Paraguay, July 1995 Qames C. breast and flanks. Lowen) This species inhabits the canopy of primary, sec­ 9. Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet Phy/loscartes ventra/is, ondary and gallery forest and is most often detected Misiones province, Argentina, August 1993 (Pate and identified by its. call: a clear mellow Serrucho Project) wee .. hoo .. huit with emphasis on the final note. I 0. Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet Phy/loscartes ventralis, Sometimes only single or double notes are given. Misiones province, Argentina, August 1993 (Pate Serrucho Project) Grey-capped Tyrannulet Phyllomyias griseocapilla 11 . Sao Paulo Tyrannulet Phylloscartes pau/istus, Estancia Conservation status: Near-Threatened Nunez, Paraguay, August 1995 Qoe Tobias) This usually well-marked, distinctive tyrannulet is smaller and less chunky than other Phyllomyias narrow and inconspicuous, and the secondary treated here. Its very short, stubby bill is entirely fringes lack the relatively strong yellow tones black. The crown, nape and sides of head are dark shown by Phylloscartes ventralis, Phyllomyias grey, contrasting with the bright olive-green man­ virescens and P. burmeisteri. The tertial pattern is tle and scapulars. Bright yellowish olive breast much the same as that shown by other Phyllomyias, sides, and flanks contrast with the rest of the un­ albeit with slightly broader, duller fringing. Fresh­ derparts which are largely clean greyish white, plumaged birds may have brighter yellow fringes becoming whiter on the vent, undertail-coverts and to the remiges and coverts, but most individuals centre of belly. The head pattern is fairly promi­ have wing-bars with a slight buffy tone, especially nent with greyish white eye-ring and supercilium when plumage is worn. contrasting with the dark grey eyestripe and crown.

93 COTINGA 10 Field identification of Phylloscartes and Phyllomyias tyrannulet s

6 The wing feathers are generally crisply fringed appeared to Charles Chubb 90 years ago • Careful bright yellowish. Fringes to the secondaries are consideration of plumage pattern, structure, behav­ more olive, forming a wing panel. Fringes on the iour and vocalisations allow most individuals to be tertials are a brighter yellow-olive than other accurately recognised given sufficient experience. Phyllomyias tyrannulets treated her e, becoming A combination of patient observation and famili­ even brighter on the greater- and median-coverts. arity with the commoner species is the most Unlike the discrete bars formed by pale covert tips important step towards confident identification. It in other wing- barred tyrannulets of the Atlantic is hoped that, with the recent increase of fi eldwork forest, the fringing extends toward the base of in the region and improved knowledge of identifi­ feathers on P griseocapilla, forming yellow covert cation criteria, a more accurate picture of the pa nels. Ther e are also prominent bright olive distribution and status of these fascinating spe­ fringes to the rectrices. On fresh individuals, the cies will be compiled. overall effect is very attractive and distinctive, with whitish underparts, bright green upperparts, a grey Acknowledgements head and dark wings broadly fringed yellow. How­ We are very grateful to the following fo r contribut­ ever, some individuals have little fringing on the ing information, or co mmenting on earlier d rafts wings and a much weaker head p attern wi th the of this article: J uan Mazar Barnett, Guy Kirwan, eye-ring a nd supercilium washed grey, a nd Mark Pearman, Bret Whitney and Rob Willi ams. eyestripe faint. David Butler, Tim Morrisey and David Wege helped The species is found in small numbers through­ to co mpile the maps a nd provided invaluable e n­ out the forested hills of the Serra do Mar in couragement. David Beadle wishes to thank Glen sou th-east Brazil and numerous other ranges Murphy a t the Biodiversity Department, Royal northward into Espirito Santo and Minas Gerais. Ontario Museum; David Agro for providing essen­ Although sometimes found in the canopy of primary tial biometric data a nd p hotographic material, forest, it is most frequently encountered in mixed­ mostly from the bird coll ection at the Academy of species flo cks in secondary forest and at forest Natural Sciences, Philadelphia; Scott Co nnop for edges', often foraging relatively low down in shrubs. useful discussion and co mments on the plate; and It appears to call less frequently than other Neil Bostock, Jon Hornbuckle, Guy Kirwan, Rod Phy llomyias of the region, but this is perhaps McCann and Rob Wi ll iams for their company in merely because the song, a series of 2-5 sweet wee search of the tyrant fl ycatchers of south-east Bra­ or weeup notes, is more easily overlooked. zil.

Conclusion References Although tyrannulets in the genera Phylloscartes 1. Aleixo, A. & Galetti, M. (1997) The conserva­ and Phyllomyias provide some of the most difficult tion of the avifauna in lowland Atla ntic for­ identification challenges to observers in the Atlan­ est in south-east Brazil. Bird Conserv. Inter­ tic forest, they are not as bewildering as they first national 7: 213-261. 2. Belton, W. (1985) Birds of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Bull. Ame1: Mus. Nat. Hist. 180 (1): 1- 242. 3. Brooks, T. & Balmford, A. (1996) Atlantic forest extinctions. Nature 380: 115. 4. Brooks, T., Tobias, J. & Balmford, A. (submit­ ted) Deforestation and bird extinctions in the Atlantic forest. Animal Conserv. 5. Chebez, J .C. (1996) Fauna Misionera. Cat

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UK: International Council for Bird Preserva­ 23. Traylor, M.A. (1982) Notes on Tyrant Flycatch­ tion. ers (Aves: Tyrannidae). Fieldiana Zool. 13: 1- 8. Collar, N. J., Crosby, M. J. & Stattersfield,A. J. 22. (1994) Birds to watch 2: the world list of threat­ 24. Wege, D. C. & Long, A. J . (1995) Key Areas for ened birds. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife Interna­ threatened birds in the Neotropics. Cambridge, tional (Conservation Series 4). UK: BirdLife International (Conservation Se­ 9. da Fonseca, G. A. B. (1985) The vanishing Bra­ ries 5). zilian Atlantic forest. Biol. Conserv. 34: 17- 25. Willis, E. 0. & Oniki, Y. (1991) Avifaunal 34. transects across the open zones of northern 10. Gonzaga, L. P. & Pachecho, J. F. (1995) A new Minas Gerais, Brazil. Ararajuba 2: 41-58. species of Phylloscartes (Tyrannidae) from the 26. Willis, E. 0. & Oniki, Y. (1992) A new mountains of southern Bahia, Brazil. Bull. Phylloscartes (Tyrannidae) from southeastern Brit. Orn. Club 115: 88-97. Brazil. Bull. Brit. Orn. Club 112: 158-165. 11. Gonzaga, L. P., Pacheco, J . F., Bauer, C. & Castigliani, G. D. A. (1995) An avifaunal sur­ Robert P. Clay vey of the vanishing montane Atlantic forest Guyra Paraguay: Conservaci6n de Aves, Belgica 165, of southern Bahia, Brazil. Bird Conserv. In­ C. C. 714, Asuncion, Paraguay. ternational 5: 279-290. E-mail: [email protected] 12. Lanyon, W. E. (1988) A phylogeny of thirty-two genera in the Elaenia assemblage of tyrant Joe A. Tobias flycatchers. Ann. Mus. Novit. 2914. BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton 13. Renold, H. G. & Ramos Neto, M. B. (1995) A Road, Cambridge, CB3 ONA, UK. E-mail: nest of the Restinga Tyrannulet Phylloscartes [email protected] kronei. Bull. Brit. Orn. Club 115: 239-240. 14. Ridgely, R. S. & Tudor, G. (1994) The birds of James C. Lowen South America, 2. Oxford: Oxford University Department of the Environment, Transport and the Press. Regions, clo Health and Safety Executive, Rose 15. do Rosario, L. A. (1996) As aves em Santa Court, 2 Southwark Bridge, London, SEl 9HS, UK. Catarina: distribuir;iio geographica e meio E-mail: james. [email protected]. uk ambiente. Florian6polis: FATMA. 16. Silva, J. M. C. (1996) New data to support the David Beadle specific status of Phyllomyias reiseri, a cen­ 7 4Chestnut Park Road, Toronto, Ontario M4W 1 W9, tral Brazilian endemic. Bull. Brit. Orn. Club Canada. 116: 109- 113. 17. Snethlage E. (1928) Neue Vogel aus Innerbrasilien. J. Orn. 58: 582- 583. 18. Stattersfield, A. J., Crosby, M. J., Long, A. J. & Wege, D. C. (1998) Endemic Bird Areas of the world: priorities for biodiversity conservation. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International (Con­ servation Series 7). 19. Stotz, D. F. (1990) The taxonomic status of Phyllomyias reiseri. Bull. Brit. Orn. Club 110: 184-187. 20. Teixeira, D. M. (1987) A new tyrannulet (Phylloscartes) from northeastern Brazil. Bull. Brit. Orn. Club 107: 37- 41. 21. Teixeira, D. M., Nacinovic, J . B. & Schloemp, I. M. (1991) Notas sobre alguns Passeriformes brasileiros pouco conhecidos. Ararajuba 2: 97- 100. 22. Traylor, M.A. (1977) A classification of the Ty­ rant Flycatchers (Tyrannidae). Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool. 148: 129-184.

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