Friday, May 2, 2014

My Year of Darwin 5/2/2014: The Replacements.. avian style

 Charles Darwin

"In all parts of Chiloe and Chonos, two very strange birds occur, which are allied to, and replace, the Turco and Tapacolo of central Chile. One is called by the inhabitants "Cheucau" (Pteroptochos rubecula): it frequents the most gloomy and retired spots within the damp forests. Sometimes, although its cry may be heard close at hand, let a person watch ever so attentively he will not see the Cheucau; at other times let him stand motionless and the red-breasted little bird will approach within a few feet in the most familiar manner."  Charles Darwin, Voyage of the Beagle

The Cheucau is now known at the Chucao Tapacolo (Scelorchilus rubecula), a bird that looks very much like the European Robin. Tapacolo, if you remember, is a reference to the cocked tail. 

The idea of birds replacing each other refers to one species found in one area and another closely related species found adjacent to that species. I just find the term replacement interesting as if the species should be there. 

Scelorchilus rubecula

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