BioOne.org will be down briefly for maintenance on 17 December 2024 between 18:00-22:00 Pacific Time US. We apologize for any inconvenience.
How to translate text using browser tools
1 June 2002 THE MEXICAN SHEARTAIL (DORICHA ELIZA): MORPHOLOGY, BEHAVIOR, DISTRIBUTION, AND ENDANGERED STATUS
RAÚL ORTIZ-PULIDO, A. TOWNSEND PETERSON, MARK B. ROBBINS, ROMAN DÍAZ, ADOLFO G. NAVARRO-SIGÜENZA, GRISELDA ESCALONA-SEGURA
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

We reviewed morphological variation, taxonomic status, geographic distribution, ecology, and behavior of the poorly known hummingbird, the Mexican Sheartail (Doricha eliza), based on museum specimens and field studies. Although the broadly disjunct distribution of the species would suggest that two taxa are involved, morphological differences between the populations appear minor, not deserving of formal taxonomic recognition. Ecological differences between the two populations are stronger, however; modeled ecological niches are nearly nonoverlapping, and ontogenetic and behavioral differences may exist. We recommend that, given its extremely restricted distribution, the Veracruz population be considered critically endangered, whereas the Yucatan population be designated as having a restricted range and accorded near-threatened status.

RESUMEN.—Se revisaron la variación morfológica, estatus taxonómico, distribución geográfica, ecología y conducta de un taxón muy poco conocido, el colibrí tijereta mexicano (Doricha eliza), en base en estudios de campo y en museo. A pesar de que la amplia disyunción en su distribución geográfica sugiere la existencia de dos taxones diferentes, la diferenciación morfológica es mínima y no amerita reconocimiento taxonómico formal. Sin embargo, las diferencias ecológicas entre las dos poblaciones son más marcadas, con nichos ecológicos modelados que casi no se sobrelapan, y diferencias ontogenéticas y de conducta pueden existir. En general, la población de Veracruz debe ser considerada en peligro de extinción, mientras que la población de Yucatán debe ser designada de distribución restringida y con un estatus de conservación de casi amenazada.

RAÚL ORTIZ-PULIDO, A. TOWNSEND PETERSON, MARK B. ROBBINS, ROMAN DÍAZ, ADOLFO G. NAVARRO-SIGÜENZA, and GRISELDA ESCALONA-SEGURA "THE MEXICAN SHEARTAIL (DORICHA ELIZA): MORPHOLOGY, BEHAVIOR, DISTRIBUTION, AND ENDANGERED STATUS," The Wilson Bulletin 114(2), 153-160, (1 June 2002). https://doi.org/10.1676/0043-5643(2002)114[0153:TMSDEM]2.0.CO;2
Received: 9 February 2001; Accepted: 1 July 2002; Published: 1 June 2002
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top