NOTES ON THE BREEDING BIOLOGY AND POPULATION-DENSITY OF THE TUCUMAN MOUNTAIN-FINCH (POOSPIZA-BAERI, AVES, EMBERIZIDAE) IN ARGENTINA, WITH DESCRIPTION OF NEST AND EGGS

Line transect census work carried along ravines of the Aconquija mount ain (NW Argentina) among 1989 to 1993, gave a breeding density of the Tucuman mountain-finch between 0.02-0.03 birds per km. Highest post-br eeding density (0.25 birds/km) was found between 2,600-3,100 m.a.s.l. Breeding of the species occurs from December to March with observed fl edglings in April. Two nest and eggs found near El Infiernillo mountai n-pass (Tucuman) are described. According to measurements taken on mus eum specimens, mean wing lenght and red breast patch is statistically significant larger in males than in females.