Differences of morphological and ecological characters among lineages of Chilean Rhinocryptidae in relation an sister lineage of Furnariidae.

Abstract

Eight species of Rhinocryptidae are recognized from Chile. Moreover, morphological, ecological and behavioral differences among two lineages of Scytalopus and two species of Pteroptochos are unclear. According to our results, there are no decisive criteria differentiating among subspecific sister taxa of Scelorchilus albicollis, S. rubecula and Pteroptochos megapodius. Here we discuss the speciation of the chilean Rhinocryptidae based in their behaviour. We propose a new methodology based on ecological and behavioural patterns in order to understand the concept of speciation in this group of birds.