A new southernmost record of Elaenia chiriquensis Lawrence, 1865 (Passeriformes, Tyrannidae) in Brazil

Abstract

Species of the genus Elaenia are difficult to distinguish from one another using only morphological characteristics. In Brazil, Elaenia chiriquensis occurs from northern Paraná to Roraima and is absent in Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul states. Using audio and photographic evidence, as well as the comparison of sonograms, we confirm the occurrence of this species 700 km southwest of its previously known distribution. Our new record is from Palmas, Paraná, only 600 m from the border with Água Doce, Santa Catarina, which suggests the possibility that this species also occurs in this state. Deforestation for monocultures and pastures might have contributed to this species’ expansion in the Atlantic Rainforest biome.