Taxonomy, vocalisations, syringeal morphology and natural history of Automolus roraimae (Furnariidae)

Abstract

The White- throated Foliage- gleaner Automolus roraimae has been a subject of taxonomic and nomenclatural debate almost since its description in 1884. Here, we present vocal, syringeal, behavioural and ecological data that lead us to believe that Automolus roraimae is more closely related to species currently included in Syndactyla than to species currently in Automolus Philydor. It is somewhat divergent from Syndactyla with respect to its adult plumage pattern (although more similar in its juvenile plumage), which more closely resembles some Automolus and Anabazenops. Based on all other characters, these plumage similarities appear convergent and not reflective of relationship. We recommend that ‘Automolus’ roraimae be placed in the genus Syndactyla. The name would thus become Syndactyla roraimae (Hellmayr), and we suggest adopting the English name of Tepui Foliage- gleaner.