Zelich-Pfäffchen
| Zelich-Pfäffchen | ||||||||||||
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Sporophila zelichi | ||||||||||||
| Narosky , 1977 |
The Zelich-Pfäffchen ( Sporophila zelichi ) is a rare species of bird of the genus of the Pfäffchen ( Sporophila ) in the family of the Tangaren (Thraupidae). The species is named after Dr. Mateo Ricardo Zelich, an entomologist and ornithologist from Argentina , who collected the type specimen .
description
The Zelich-Pfäffchen reaches a length of 10 centimeters. The male has a gray crown. The neck band, throat and chest are white. The back and the rest of the underside are maroon. The wings and tail are blackish. The hand wings show white wing fields and white borders at the base. The bill and legs are black. The female can hardly be distinguished from the females of other species of peacock.
The Zelich-Pfäffchen is similar to both the swamp monkey ( Sporophila palustris ) and the cinnamon monkey ( Sporophila cinnamomea ). Some researchers therefore consider it a hybrid of both species. The rarity of the species and the clear plumage, however, speak against it.
distribution
The Zelich-Pfäffchen occurs in Corrientes and Entre Rios in northeast Argentina , in Concepción and Itapúa in eastern Paraguay and in Rocha in southeast Uruguay . It winters in Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil .
Way of life
The Zelich-Pfäffchen breeds in the southern summer. It inhabits semi-open grasslands with acacia stands and marshland with litter plants . The diet consists mainly of the seeds of the dallis grass ( Paspalum dilatatum ) and other grasses. The male often uses the acacia as a seat guard for singing.
Danger
The Zelich-Pfäffchen is a popular cage bird. This is why illegal wild-caught animals often end up in the animal trade . Another reason for its rarity is the clearing of eucalyptus and pine stocks. BirdLife International estimates the total stock to be between 50 and 250 copies. The Zelich Pfäffchen is listed in Appendix I of the Bonn Convention .
literature
- Robert S. Ridgely , Guy Tudor , William L. Brown: The Birds of South America. University of Texas Press, 1989, ISBN 0-292-70756-8 .