Collared crescentchest | |
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at Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso State, Brazil | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Aves |
Order: | Passeriformes |
Family: | Melanopareiidae |
Genus: | Melanopareia |
Species: | M. torquata
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Binomial name | |
Melanopareia torquata (
Wied, 1831)
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The collared crescentchest (Melanopareia torquata) is a species of bird in the family Melanopareiidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay. [2]
The crescentchests (genus Melanopareia) were previously included in family Rhinocryptidae, the tapaculos. A 2010 publication confirmed earlier work and created their present genus. [3] [4] The International Ornithological Congress (IOC) recognizes two subspecies of the collared crescentchest, the nominate Melanopareia torquata torquata and M. t. rufescens. [2] The South American Classification Committee of the American Ornithological Society (AOS) and the Clements taxonomy consider the double-collared crescentchest (M. bitoquata) to be a third subspecies. [3] [5]
The collared crescentchest is 14.5 cm (5.7 in) long. Two unsexed specimens of M. t. rufescens weighed 16.5 and 18.0 g (0.58 and 0.63 oz). The nominate subspecies' back and rump are brown and the underparts buff. The crown of the head is gray brown. It has a narrow white supercilium edged with black, a rufous "collar" on the back of the neck, and a black band across the breast. Subspecies M. t. rufescens is almost identical but its crown is reddish brown. [6]
The collared crescentchest is found primarily in central Brazil but also occurs in far northeastern Paraguay. It inhabits cerrado, a biome characterized by a mix of savannah and woodlands. It prefers wetter open areas and avoids disturbed areas. In elevation it ranges up to 1,400 m (4,600 ft). [6]
The collared crescentchest's diet has not been described but the species is assumed to be insectivorous. [6]
Little is known about the collared crescentchest's breeding phenology. Its nest is a globe of dry grass and leaves placed near the ground. Two eggs are laid and both sexes incubate them and care for nestlings. [6]
Both sexes of collared crescentchest sing year round, usually from atop a low shrub. The song is "a series of 3-6 loud, resonant 'chip' notes" [1]. Its call is "a penetrating churr" [2]. [6]
The IUCN has assessed the collared crescentchest as being of Least Concern. [1] "Despite widespread degradation of cerrado habitat, the population of Collared Crescentchest is believed to be relatively stable throughout its large range." [6]