Contributions to the distribution, behavior and biology of the Yellow-striped Brush-Finch Atlapetes citrinellus (Aves: Emberizidae)

Abstract

Atlapetes citrinellus is an endemic species of the southernmost part of the Yungas of Argentina. In this study, we review the altitudinal and latitudinal distribution and relative abundance of the species, and we contribute new information on their biology, their presence in mixed flocks of birds, nesting and displacements. To do this, we reviewed published information, ornithological collection records, capture and banding records, and our own observations. The species has an abundance that varies, increasing latitudinally from 23 ° S, where it is rare, to the southern end of the Yungas, in the province of Tucumán (26 ° S), reaching 28 ° S in Capayán, south of Catamarca province. It is in the Montane Forest of Tucumán that the species reaches its greatest abundance. It breeds mainly between 1200 and 1800 m altitude in the Montane Forest, between November and March. We describe four nests, built be- tween 0.7 to 1.9 m above the ground, in microenvironments with high density of vegeta- tion around them. Clutch size was 2-3 eggs. These were cream colored with light and dark brownish dots and spots, more abundant in the obtuse pole. They accomplish seasonal altitudinal movements. Part of the population comes down between May and October to the pedemontes, where it is a regular member of mixed flocks of birds in winter. Data obtained from 28 recaptures of banded individuals showed fidelity to breeding and wintering site, altitudinal displacements after nesting and longevity of at least five years.