Buntings and New World Sparrows (Emberizidae)

Pectoral Sparrow (Arremon taciturnus) - HBW 16, p. 572

French: Tohi silencieux German: Schwarzbrust-Buschammer Spanish: Cerquero Pectoral
Other common names: Yellow-shouldered Sparrow (axillaris)

Taxonomy: Tanagra taciturna Hermann, 1783, Cayenne, French Guiana.
Until recently considered conspecific with A. semitorquatus. In recent study found to be parapatric with latter, and no intermediate specimens or evidence of gene flow. Three subspecies recognized.

Subspecies and Distribution:

  • axillaris P. L. Sclater, 1855 - E of base of E Andes in Venezuela (Portuguesa S to E Táchira) and Colombia (Boyacá, Casanare and Meta).
  • taciturnus (Hermann, 1783) - E Colombia (in R Orinoco valley), Venezuela (Bolívar and Amazonas), the Guianas, C & NE Brazil (E from Mato Grosso and Amazonas, S to Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo) and NE Bolivia (Beni).
  • nigrirostris P. L. Sclater, 1886 - SE Peru (Cuzco and Puno) and N Bolivia (La Paz and Cochabamba).