Rediscovery of Sporophila frontalis (Verreaux, 1869) (aves, thraupidae) in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil

Abstract

The Buffy-fronted Seedeater, Sporophila frontalis (Verreaux, 1869) (Aves, Thraupidae), is a threatened passerine endemic to the Atlantic Forest of southeastern South America. Habitat loss and illegal capture for the pet trade has reduced the geographical distribution of this species. The Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul represents the southernmost limit of this species’ range. There, S. frontalis was last recorded in 1883, and currently this species is thought to be as extirpated in this state. After 133 years, we report photographic and audiotape records of S. frontalis, made in the municipalities of Maquiné and Mampituba, Rio Grande do Sul.