The elevational distribution of Atlantic forest Drymophila Swainson, 1824 was analyzed and sympatry cases were identified and discussed. Two data sets were used, one with local scale data (a portion of Serra do Mar called Serra dos Órgãos, in Rio de Janeiro state) and other with regional scale data (Atlantic forest). The Serra dos Órgãos records and elevations were obtained in the field while Atlantic forest data were compiled mainly following a survey of specimens deposited in natural history museums. Both data sets showed a similar pattern of elevational distribution: D. squamata (Lichtenstein, 1823) and D. ferruginea (Temminck, 1822) at lower elevations, D. malura (Temminck, 1825), D. ochropyga (Hellmayr, 1906) and D. rubricollis (Bertoni, 1901) all with similar, intermediate, elevational limits and D. genei (Filippi, 1847), at higher elevations. Most localities and observation stations presented only one or two species, suggesting that species tend to exclude each other spatially. In comparison, D. squamata and D. malura were the species with the lowest degree of mutual sympatry, probably reflecting distinct habitat preferences in relation to the other Drymophila species. Sympatry between sister species D. ochropyga-D. genei and D. ferruginea-D. rubricollis was observed at Serra do Mar and Serra da Mantiqueira localities, along narrow elevational bands, never wider than 300 m.
Bamboo; biogeography; endemic species; Serra do Mar; Serra da Mantiqueira
