SYSTEMATIC REVISION AND BIOGEOGRAPHY OF THE HERPSILOCHMUS PILEATUS COMPLEX, WITH DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES FROM NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL

Abstract Study of vocalizations of Herpsilochmus antwrens in northeastern Brazil revealed that the traditional H. pileatus complex is comprised of not two but three species-level taxa. We show that the systematics and biogeography of the group have been based on an unnamed species that has been called H. pileatus for most of this century. Here, we name this “new” species and conclude that its several morphological and vocal distinctions clearly set it apart from other members of the complex. True H. pileatus, as determined through comparison of the lectotype with recently collected specimens and from the distribution of recordings, is confined to southern coastal Bahia. Morphological and vocal analyses suggest that H. pileatus and H. atricapillus are each other's closest relatives. We provide a simple key to diagnostic plumage and mensural characters to permit identification of museum specimens. An extensive series of specimens demonstrated that H. atricapillus includes two male morphs. Geographic overlap...