AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Geographic Variation and Species Limits in Cinnycerthia Wrens of the Andes

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1996
Authors:Brumfield, RT, Remsen, Jr., JV
Journal:The Wilson Bulletin
Volume:108
Issue:2
Date Published:1996
ISBN Number:00435643
Keywords:Bolivia, Cinnycerthia, Cinnycerthia olivascens, Cinnycerthia peruana, Colombia, Nannus, Nannus troglodytes, Troglodytes, Troglodytes troglodytes, Troglodytidae
Abstract:Few studies have quantified geographic variation in widely distributed Andean birds despite the fact that the linearity of their distributions provides unique opportunity to assess latitudinal geographic variation. We examined geographic variation of morphometric and plumage characters in populations currently treated as a single species, the Sepia-brown Wren (Cinnycerthia peruana), that inhabits humid montane forests from northern Colombia to central Bolivia. Our analysis supports the recognition of three biological species (olivascens, peruana, and fulva) based on discrete morphometric differences as well as marked plumage differences. Size variation within populations is inconsistent with the predictions of Bergmann's Rule, whereas variation across species runs counter to the predictions, with the smallest species occurring farthest from the Equator.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/4163678
Short Title:The Wilson Bulletin
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith