Entre RÃos Seedeater
The Zelich - Pfäffchen ( Sporophila zelichi ) is a rare songbird of the family of Tanagers. Named is the type according to Dr. Ricardo Mateo Zelich, an entomologist and ornithologist from Argentina, who collected the type specimen.
Description
The Zelich - Pfäffchen reaches a length of 10 centimeters. The male has a gray head. Neckband, throat and chest are white. The back and the rest of the underside are maroon. Wings and tail are blackish. The primaries show at the base white wings fields and white hems. Beak and legs are black. The female is distinguished from the females of other species Pfäffchen hardly.
The Zelich - Pfäffchen has both similarity to the Sumpfpfäffchen ( Sporophila palustris ) and the Zimtpfäffchen ( Sporophila cinnamomea ). Therefore, some researchers believe it is a hybrid of two species. The rarity of the species and the clear plumage coloration, however, speak against it.
Dissemination
The Zelich - Pfäffchen occurs in Corrientes and Entre Rios in northeastern Argentina, Concepción and Itapúa in eastern Paraguay and Rocha in southeastern Uruguay. It hibernates in Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil.
Way of life
The Zelich - Pfäffchen breeds in the southern summer. It inhabits semi- open grassland with acacia stocks and marshland with holly plants. The diet consists mainly of the seeds of the Dalli grass ( Paspalum dilatatum ) and other grasses. The male uses the acacia often as seat waiting to sing.
Endangering
The Zelich - Pfäffchen is a popular cage bird. Therefore often advised illegal wild-caught in the pet trade. Another reason for its rarity is the clearing of eucalyptus and pine stands. BirdLife International estimates the total stock between 50 and 250 copies. The Zelich - Pfäffchen is listed in Appendix I of the Bonn Convention.