Speciation in an avian complex endemic to the mountains of Middle America (Ergaticus, Aves: Parulidae)

[Display omitted] ► We sequenced 2370bp of mtDNA from 81 individuals of Ergaticus. ► We found four divergent lineages within Ergaticus. ► Phylogeographic pattern resulted from of isolation of mountain ranges. ► Pleistocene was important for the diversification of this complex. The implementation of the phylogeographic approach for the study of biodiversity is critical in poorly sampled regions like the montane systems of Middle America, as complex evolutionary histories often result in the presence of independent lineages not properly considered by traditional taxonomy. Herein we sequenced 2370bp of mtDNA (ND2, cyt b and ATPase) from 81 individuals of Ergaticus, a complex of birds endemic to the montane forests of Middle America. Although current taxonomy recognizes two species, the results reveal considerable genetic structure with the presence of four mtDNA lineages. Two of these lineages within Ergaticus ruber evidence the need of a revaluation of the species limits for this taxon. The general phylogeographic pattern can be explained as a consequence of relative isolation of the populations in different mountain ranges separated by low elevation barriers. Most population groups did not show signals of demographic expansion with the exception of the one corresponding to clade 1. The divergence time estimates point to the Pleistocene as an important time period for the diversification of this complex.