Other Scientific Names
Schizoeaca vilcabambae [BirdLife International (2004, 2008)], Schizoeaca vilcabambae [Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993)], Schizoeaca vilcabambae [Stotz et al. (1996)]
Other Names (World)
Vilcabamba Thistletail, Ayacucho Thistletail (ayacuchensis)
Family
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds)
Size
18 - 19 cm
First Described (Guide)
(Vaurie, Weske & Terborgh, 1972)
Habitat
Subtropical and tropical moist montane forest and high altitude shrubland. From 2,800 - 3,600 m, occasionally down to 2,500 m.
Vilcabamba Thistletail (Asthenes vilcabambae) [XC353041]
by Josh Beck from Provincia de La Convenci\u00f3n, Cuzco, Peru (song)
Vilcabamba Thistletail (Asthenes vilcabambae) [XC353040]
by Josh Beck from Provincia de La Convenci\u00f3n, Cuzco, Peru (song)
Subspecies
Forms a superspecies with other members of genus, as a series of non-overlapping mountain-top replacements, and all sometimes considered conspecific. Their vocalizations seem fairly close, but plumage patterns differ to an extent not found within species-level taxa in the Furnariidae. Distinctive subspecies ayacuchensis may merit full species rank. Difference in plumage between it and nominate as great as that between Puna Thistletail (Asthenes helleri) and Black-throated Thistletail (Asthenes harterti).
The following 2 subspecies are recognised:
ayacuchensis (Vaurie, Weske & Terborgh, 1972) - Andes of southern Peru (northern Ayacucho). Considered by some authors to be a distinct species, Ayacucho Thistletail (Asthenes ayacuchensis).
vilcabambae Vaurie et al., 1972 - Vilcabamba Mts, in southern Peru.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet