Glossy Flowerpiercer
Diglossa lafresnayii
This glossy-black flowerpiercer has a distinctive silvery patch on the shoulder. Most similar to Black Flowerpiercer, which is smaller and lacks the shoulder patch in most of its range (although in east Andes in Colombia, Black Flowerpiercer has a small gray shoulder patch). Sexes similar. Also note the typical flowerpiercer bill: uniquely upswept with a hooked tip. Found in the Andes from western Venezuela to northern Peru from around 2,700–3,700 m. Typically seen singly or in pairs foraging at all levels in stunted forest and shrubby woodlands. Usually found in more humid areas than Black Flowerpiercer. Sometimes follows mixed-species flocks.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Diglossa lafresnayii
- Authority
- (Boissonneau, 1840)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Thraupidae
- Genus
- Diglossa
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Gray-capped Cuckoo
Coccyzus lansbergi
Brightly-colored cuckoo found mainly west of the Andes. Combination of rufous-tawny body and gray separates it from other cuckoos in range. Nests in deciduous forest, dense scrub, and savanna at lower elevations. Outside of the breeding season, it disperses widely and can be seen far from its breeding areas, including at high elevations on rare occasions. Furtive and rarely comes out into the open for long. Song is short series of soft, guttural notes; also gives a harsh churr.
Cassin's Flycatcher
Muscicapa cassini
Slim flycatcher that is mostly gray, with black wings and tail. Found along rainforest streams and rivers at low and moderate elevations. Usually perches on rocks or low on dead branches. The quiet song is a mix of rasps, trills, and high-pitched whistles. Water-loving habits usually separate this species from other gray flycatchers. Similar to Dusky-blue and Ashy Flycatchers, but plainer on the face than those species.
Tree Pipit
Anthus trivialis
Slender and streaked pipit. Feeds on the ground like other pipits, but perches readily in trees or bushes when singing, or alights in tree at end of parachuting song flight. As the name suggests, usually associated with trees (on breeding grounds), but also found in agricultural areas and grassy scrub in winter. All pipits look rather similar and are best identified to species by combination of habitat and voice: Tree Pipit call a high, shrill, buzzy "tzzz"; song more melodic and varied than Meadow Pipit song.
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