RELATIONSHIP OF TWO BAMBOO-SPECIALIZED FOLIAGE-GLEANERS: AUTOMOLUS DORSALIS AND ANABAZENOPS FUSCUS (FURNARHDAE)

Abstract

Analyses of several characters indicate that two bamboo specialist fo- liage-gleaners in the Furnariidae - Anabazenops fuscus (White-collared Foliage-gleaner) of southeastern Brazil and Automolus dorsalis (Dusky-cheeked Foliage-gleaner) of west- ern Amazonia - are sister species. The nest site of Automolus dorsalis, above-ground in cavities, indicates that this species does not belong with other species in the genus. Similarities in foraging behavior and vocalizations, as well as similarities in plumage, provide evidence for a close relationship between dorsalis and Anabazenops. Although some morphological similarities are evident, analyses of eight mensural characters were equivocal with regard to a close relationship between these two species. We recommend that A. dorsalis be moved to the genus Anabazenops. Relationships of these two species with other taxa in the subfamily Philydorinae are investigated.