Patagonian negrito  (Lessonia rufa)

Classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List (1).

Described by Darwin as a “common, inoffensive little bird” (3), the Patagonian negrito remains widespread and fairly abundant through much of southern South America (2) (4). The male Patagonian negrito is mostly all black with the exception of a highly distinctive patch of rufous-chestnut on its back. In contrast, the female has a brownish-grey head and neck, dull rufous-brown back, mostly black wings, and dull ashy grey underparts (2) (4). Juveniles are very similar to the female, but have more rufous on the back (2).

The Patagonian negrito breeds in central Chile and Argentina, south to Tierra del Fuego, but during the winter migrates north into northern Chile and Argentina, southern and eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and extreme south-eastern Brazil (2) (4).

Usually found in open areas with short grass or bare soil, near marshes and coastal lagoons and beaches. Although this typically comprises elevations below 1,000 metres, in some areas it can occur as high as 2,000 metres above sea level (2) (4).

This highly active species is essentially terrestrial but is often seen perching on low bushes or fences, and commonly stands on rocks and small mounds. Running about on the ground in short, restless bursts, it usually pursues its insect prey with brief flutters into the air (2) (4).

Breeding occurs from September to January, with populations in the far south tending to breed later than those in the north. The male displays by fluttering upwards 10 to 15 metres into the air. After mating, the female lays between two to four eggs in a small open nest made of twigs, small branches and roots, and usually positioned below overhanging vegetation on the ground or on a cliff ledge (2). The males have no role in the raising of young, and consequently leave the breeding grounds well before the females, which remain to care for the young (2) (4). Once the young have fledged and are capable of travelling long distances, they too migrate northwards with the female (2).

There are no major threats to this relatively widespread and common species (2) (5).

Although there are no known conservation measures in place for the Patagonian negrito, it is occurs in numerous national parks across its range (2).

View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

For information on the conservation of birds across the Americas, visit:

• American Bird Conservancy:
  www.abcbirds.org

For more information on this and other bird species please see:

• BirdLife International:
  http://www.birdlife.org