Scytalopus diamantinensis sp. nov.
Diamantina Tapaculo
Tapaculo-da-chapada-diamantina (Portuguese name)
The Scytalopus populations occupying the Chapada Diamantina, state of Bahia, have been regarded as representing the same taxon found in the southern part of Serra do Espinhaço, in the state of Minas Gerais. However, on the basis of specimens obtained recently at Chapada Diamantina, we found that the local Scytalopus population is a new taxon distinct from any other known tapaculo. The new species is a member of the taxonomically complex S. speluncae group, within which it is most closely related to S. novacapitalis, S. pachecoi, and Scytalopus sp. nov. from southern Serra do Espinhaço. It is diagnosable by vocal, plumage and molecular characters from all other Brazilian taxa. Although its song differs little from those of the closely related species, its calls are notably distinct. Pairwise uncorrected genetic distances between the new species described herein and S. novacapitalis, Scytalopus sp. nov. and S.achecoi
it inhabits forest (c. 10-25 m tall) and both old and very young second growth (c. 2-5 m tall), between 850 and 1,600 m a.s.l.
Keywords: Scytalopus, new species, vocalization, ND2, Serra do Espinhaço, Chapada Diamantina, Brazil.
Etymology: the specific name for the new taxon diamantinensis, refers to the Chapada Diamantina, the geological unit to which S. diamantinensis is restricted
Figure 8. Distribution of Scytalopus diamantinensis
Bornschein, M. R., G. N. Maurício, R. Belmonte-Lopes, H. Mata & S. L. Bonatto. 2007. Diamantina Tapaculo, a new Scytalopus endemic to the Chapada Diamantina, northeastern Brazil (Passeriformes: Rhinocryptidae). Revista Brasileira de Ornitologia. 15(2):151-174.
