Abstract

AGUILAR-GOMEZ, Miguel Ángel; CALDERON-PARRA, Rafael  and  ORTEGA-ALVAREZ, Rubén. New birds for Mexico City: First records of Vireo philadelphicus and Zonotrichia leucophrys for the Federal District. Huitzil [online]. 2015, vol.16, n.1, pp.33-36. ISSN 1870-7459.

The Federal District (DF) is the smallest state-level entity in Mexico. Within it, high levels of urban development and a complex array of natural ecosystems intermingle. Vegetated areas in and around the metropolitan area of Mexico City provide important refuges for wildlife. In this study we report two bird species that had not been previously recorded within the DF: the Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) and the White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys). Both species are winter migrants to Mexico and are well-known for their high-dispersal abilities. Although we cannot link any definitive causes, some factors that might have contributed to the unusual presence of the recorded species in the region are the reduction of their wintering grounds, the harsh winter of 2013-2014 in the USA and Canada, and possible pressures associated with global climate change. We believe that the growing community of birdwatchers and the increase in the number of eBird users in Mexico will enhance our knowledge of the birds of the region.

Keywords : birds; Ciudad Universitaria; White-crowned Sparrow; birdwatching; Pedregal de San Ángel; San Gregorio Atlapulco; Philadelphia Vireo; Xochimilco.