Long-distance dispersal of a sedentary Andean flycatcher species with a small geographic range, Ochthoeca piurae (Aves: Tyrannidae)

Abstract

We report a Piura Chat-Tyrant (Ochthoeca piurae) ~300 km south of its known range. This record was unanticipated because the species is sedentary and restricted to a narrow eco-climatic zone in valleys of the dry western Andes of northwestern Peru. Southward dispersal would require crossing broad areas of unsuitable habitat. Riparian zones of the western Andes have been heavily impacted by humans over millennia. This observation suggests that native songbirds may be able to expand their distributions along the flanks of the Andes if woody vegetation is protected or restored.