Boissonneaua

Abstract: Using distributional and morphological data obtained from voucher specimens, we investi- gated biogeographic and evolutionary affinites of Boissonneaua hummingbirds. Together with Eriocnemis and Haplophaedia, this group forms the assemblage of pufflegs, due to their enlarged tibial tufts. With respect to the number of taxa, Boissonneaua is less differentiated compared to other Andean trochilid taxa, comprising B. flavescens (incl. B. f. tinochlora), B. mathewsii, and B. jardini. The species chiefly inhabit the tropical to lower temperate zone, ascending to 3000 m a.s.l. Morphologically, sexual dichromatism is poor, and all taxa resemble in mensural characters. In coloration, B. flavescens and B. mathewsii are more similar to each other than to B. jardini that has a more colorful violet to bluish-green plumage. Based on biogeographic evidence and coloration patterns, we suppose the center of origin of Boissonneaua to be located on the eastern Andean slope (B. flavescens, B. mathewsii). Subsequent trans-Andean invasion and isolation events may have