Distinctive morphology, ecology, and first vocal descriptions of Sira Curassow (Pauxi [unicornis] koepckeae): evidence for species rank

Corvacho, M.G., MacLeod, R., Brooks, D. and Hennessey, B. (2011) Distinctive morphology, ecology, and first vocal descriptions of Sira Curassow (Pauxi [unicornis] koepckeae): evidence for species rank. Ornitologia Neotropical, 22(2), pp. 267-279.

Abstract

We report the first field observations of vocalizations, behavior and ecology of Pauxi unicornis koepckeae, and compare museum specimens and field data to the nominate Bolivian form P u. unicornis, On the basis of the differences between these allopatric populations we suggest that these two distinct forms are separate species. Casque length is shorter, and diameter and shape smaller in P. koepckeae, and the tail lacks white markings on the tip of the central rectrices in P koepckeae. Details of the vocal signature and alarm call are described for the first time for P. koepckeae. These contrast with P unicornis in that P. koepckeae has much shorter song duration and fewer phrases, fewer notes, lacks the distinctive final loud note characterizing P unicomis, and the alarm call is accompanied by horizontal tail fanning (versus vertical tail pumping in P. unicomis). The peak singing period, and therefore probably the. breeding seasons, of the two taxa differ in timing by several months, with P koepckeae song activity peaking towards the end of the wet season and P. unicomis peaking at the start of the wet season. The isolated P koepckeae population is endemic to Peru's Sira Mountains and is separated by more than 1000 km from the Bolivian form. The two taxa are found in different habitats, with P koepckeae resident in cloud forest at 1100-1435 m a.s.l., and P. unicomis resident in humid and lower montane forest at 400-1100 m a.s.l. Additional detailed findings on P. koepckeae ecology are presented, including abundance with average estimates of < 1 individual/km(2), and a peak of 8.3 vocalizing males/km(2) in a potential exploded lek situation. Conservation status of P koepckeae is quite likely Critically Endangered in light of the very small geographic distribution (< 30 km(2) currently accounted for). The main threat to P koepckeae is local hunting.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: MacLeod, Dr Ross
• Authors: Corvacho, M.G., MacLeod, R., Brooks, D., and Hennessey, B.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Ornitologia Neotropical
• ISSN: 1075-4377