We determined the distribution and relative abundance of resident and Nearctic-breeding, long-distance migrant grassland bird species in Córdoba province, Argentina. We sampled montane and lowland sites to determine if altitudinal differences might affect the grassland birds found there. We recorded a total of 48 grassland bird species; 38 species were recorded in the montane region and 42 species were observed on the lowland sites. Darwin's Nothura (Nothura darwinii) and Long-tailed Meadowlarks (Sturnella loyca) were restricted to the montane region. Field Flickers (Colaptes campestris) were more common in the montane region whereas Chimango Caracaras (Milvago chimango), Southern Lapwings (Vanellus chilensis), and Fork-tailed Flycatchers (Tyrannus savanna) were more common on the lowland sites. Short-billed Pipits (Anthus furcatus), Yellowish Pipits (A. lutescens), and Chaco Pipits (A. chacoensis) only occurred in the lowlands. We found that Swainson's Hawks (Buteo swainsoni) and Upland Sandpipers (Bartramia longicauda) wintered in scattered flocks in the lowlands of east and south Córdoba but that these two species did not occur in the montane grasslands. We did not find Bobolinks (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) in Córdoba. The only globally threatened species we observed was the Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus), which was recorded twice in the highlands. In general, Córdoba province is an important region for grassland birds, especially Nearctic-breeding migrants, but this area no longer supports globally threatened species other than the Andean Condor. Intensification of agricultural practices and insecticide application to control insect pests constitute the primary threats to grassland birds in this region.
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1 April 2003
Effects of altitude on the distribution of Nearctic and resident grassland birds in Córdoba province, Argentina
Peter D. Vickery,
Hernán E. Casañas,
Adrián S. Di Giacomo
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Journal of Field Ornithology
Vol. 74 • No. 2
April 2003
Vol. 74 • No. 2
April 2003
Argentina
Bartramia longicauda
Bobolink
Córdoba province
Dolichonyx oryzivorus
globally threatened species
grassland birds