New bird species identified
Cornell University
Scientists have identified a new species of birds living in the high cloud forests of Peru.
The bird, with a black mask, white throat and scarlet markings, was discovered by a team of ornithologists in late 2008, and their findings have just been published in The Auk, the official publication of the American Ornithologists' Union.
Its habitat seems to be a small section of the dense forests on the high slopes of the Andes, and genetic data has revealed that it is closely related to the scarlet-banded barbet. The species has been named the Sira barbet, or Capito Fitzpatrick, after renowned ornithologist John W. Fitzpatrick.
Many new species have been discovered in Peru in recent years, partly due to the fact the nation is home to remote and wild ecosystems that can pose huge challenges for scientists trying to mount field expeditions.
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