Breeding biology and conservation of the Marsh SeedeaterSporophila palustris

Abstract

SummaryThe Marsh Seedeater Sporophila palustris is one of the most endangered and least known of the capuchino seedeaters. Breeding populations are patchy, occurring in north-east Argentina, southern Brazil, and Uruguay. We present data on the breeding biology of the species, and describe nests and eggs, behaviour (including courtship, nesting, incubation and parental care), breeding sites and food items. Marsh Seedeaters breed in well-preserved grasslands with wet soils and tall vegetation. In general, these habitats are used for extensive livestock ranching. Main threats are overgrazing, widespread use of fire, conversion of grasslands to pastures of exotic grasses and rice fields, afforestation, and illegal trapping. Most breeding sites are located in Important Bird Areas, but only one in Brazil and one in Argentina are protected. We propose a series of actions to promote the conservation of Marsh Seedeaters and other endangered birds that coexist in grassland habitats.

Birds of the Reserva Biológica do Mato Grande and surroundings, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

“…The RBMG is especially important for the conservation of the endemic S. palustris, which breeds in the reserve (Vizentin-Bugoni et al 2013). The RBMG is also important for the conservation of C. cinereus, which occurs regularly, albeit in small numbers, and the endemic S. maluroides, which apparently breeds in the reserve and can be common during the winter.…”

“…Therefore, the RBMG may be important for this species at least in a local context. Since one of the main threats to these species is habitat modification resulting from excessive use of fire, overgrazing and trampling in tall-herbaceous habitats (Bencke et al 2003;Vizentin-Bugoni et al 2013), it is likely that the full implementation of the reserve and removal of cattle would benefit these birds. Control in access by fisherman, hunters and trappers would also be beneficial, especially for S. palustris, which is occasionally captured (Vizentin-Bugoni et al 2013).…”

“…Since one of the main threats to these species is habitat modification resulting from excessive use of fire, overgrazing and trampling in tall-herbaceous habitats (Bencke et al 2003;Vizentin-Bugoni et al 2013), it is likely that the full implementation of the reserve and removal of cattle would benefit these birds. Control in access by fisherman, hunters and trappers would also be beneficial, especially for S. palustris, which is occasionally captured (Vizentin-Bugoni et al 2013). We emphasize, however, that the complete exclusion of fire and grazing disturbance in grassy environments in protected areas may lead to habitat change and loss of grass-dependent species (Pillar and Vélez 2010).…”

Rediscovery of Sporophila frontalis (Verreaux, 1869) (Aves, Thraupidae) in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil

“…This species has nomadic habits associated with seeding events of bamboos and its diet is composed almost entirely of seeds of these plants (Areta et al 2013). The former range of S. frontalis extended from Bahia to Rio Grande do Sul (eastern Brazil) to the province of Misiones (northwestern Argentina), and the department of Alto Paraná (southeastern Paraguay) (BirdLife International 2016).…”

“…As most for Sporophila species (Bencke et al 2003;Vizentin-Bugoni et al 2013), S. frontalis is highly targeted and captured for the pet trade in some regions of Brazil (Areta et al 2013). However, S. frontalis is absent from most inventories of trafficked birds in Rio Grande do Sul (Ferreira & Glock 2004;Araújo et al 2010), and thus, we argue that the possibility that our observations represent escapees of captive individuals is unlikely.…”