Cryptic diversity in a neotropical avian species complex untangled by neglected genetic evidence

Abstract

ABSTRACT Over the last two decades, vocal and genetic data have been extensively used in avian studies addressing taxonomic and systematic issues. However, even when multiple lines of evidence lean toward lumping or splitting of species, some taxonomic committees refuse to acknowledge their validity until convincing genetic evidence is produced and integrated with other sources of data. As a case in point, the genus Pseudocolaptes (Furnariidae) consists of three mostly allopatric and overtly distinct neotropical taxa differing in plumage and vocal features: the Streaked Tuftedcheek (P. boissonneautii), the Buffy Tuftedcheek (P. lawrencii), and the contentious Pacific Tuftedcheek (P. johnsoni). In this study, we assemble already available mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences to assess their taxonomy and to provide appointed committees with specific proof to ascertain the number of Pseudocolaptes species. Phylogenetic inference and species delimitation analysis indicate three species equally divergent from each other. We hope that this work will contribute to resolve the long-lasting taxonomical confusion regarding this genus, and that proper future conservation plans will be adopted to preserve each species within the inhabited biodiversity hotspot.