Review of non-Amazonian records of Blackpoll Warbler Setophaga striata in Brazil, including a case of wintering in the largest urban area in South America

Abstract

Blackpoll Warbler Setophaga striata migrates between its breeding grounds in northern North America and non-breeding areas in northern South America, mainly Amazonia, but the presence of apparently small numbers in southern South America suggests the existence of an additional wintering area. We investigated this possibility by reviewing available records, and report a new wintering record in South America's largest conurbation. Data from the literature, online platforms and field observations reveal 44 records over the last 52 years. Records are available from throughout the Atlantic Forest domain of south-east and southern Brazil, at all seasons, but mainly the austral summer and autumn. The concentration of records and permanence of some birds for several months at the same localities indicate a second wintering area for the species in south-east and south Brazil, north-east Argentina and south-east Paraguay.