Other Scientific Names
Sturnella defilippi [Stotz et al. (1996)], Sturnella militaris [Collar et al. (1994)], Sturnella militaris [Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993)], Pezites defilippii, Leistes defilippii
Other Names (World)
Pampas Meadowlark, Military Starling, Lesser (Red-breasted) Meadowlark, Red-breasted Meadowlark
Argentina (B) (NB), Brazil (NB), Uruguay (B) (NB) (P).
Northern Uruguay (Salto Department) and central-eastern Argentina (south-western Buenos Aires, La Pampa and Río Negro).
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 28,000 (2010) and decreasing.
Status VU
Habitat destruction and degradation through conversion to cattle-ranching, arable and plantation agriculture is the main threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
A short, buzzy series of high-pitched notes. A dull, raspy 'jzeet' call.
Pampas Meadowlark (Leistes defilippii) [XC49028]
by Rosendo Fraga from Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina (call)
Pampas Meadowlark (Leistes defilippii) [XC445075]
by Pedro Rinaldi from Departamento de Salto, Uruguay (call)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Sometimes placed in a separate genus, Pezites, along with Peruvian Meadowlark (Leistes bellicosus) and Long-tailed Meadowlark (Leistes loyca). Formerly treated as conspecific with both. In aspect and behaviour present species is almost a perfect intermediate between latter two species and the "red-breasted blackbirds" (Red-breasted Blackbird (Leistes militaris) and White-browed Blackbird (Leistes superciliaris)) formerly placed in Leistes. In the past was sometimes regarded as conspecific with Long-tailed Meadowlark (Leistes loyca), but the two nest sympatrically and without interbreeding in parts of Argentina.
Similar Species
Long-tailed Meadowlark (Leistes loyca) has pale underwing-coverts, longer tail, and browner coloration. White-browed Blackbird (Leistes superciliaris) has much shorter bill.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet