Rufous-throated Solitaire
Myadestes genibarbis
A medium-sized resident of dense, moist montane forests. Its appearance is unique, with its largely leaden gray plumage contrasting with a brilliant brick-red throat and lower belly (note: on Saint Vincent it is largely black above). Perches motionlessly, except when sallying forth after insects and fruit. Usually first located by its voice. Song is a series of drawn out, uninflected flutelike whistles given at varying pitches; call is similar, but notes are shrill.
Taxonomy
The subspecies M. g. sibilans is sometimes considered a full species, as the Saint Vincent solitaire (Myadestes sibilans).
- Scientific name
- Myadestes genibarbis
- Authority
- Swainson, 1838
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Turdidae
- Genus
- Myadestes
Range and habitat
It is found Jamaica and Hispanoila, and in the Lesser Antilles on Dominica, Martinique, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
- Migration
- Vertical migration
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Little Raven
Corvus mellori
Australian crows and ravens are challenging to identify; concentrate on call, throat-hackles, behavior, and location. Calls usually fairly fast and lack the drawn-out wail typical of Australian Raven. Long throat hackles lend it a slightly bearded appearance. Often flicks wings when calling. Inhabits a broad area of southeastern Australia. The default crow/raven in Adelaide and Melbourne and forms very large flocks in high-elevation areas like the Australian Alps.
Red-throated Wryneck
Jynx ruficollis
Odd and distinctive member of the woodpecker family. Shows a rufous throat in all plumages, though reduced in juveniles. The underparts vary geographically: they are completely rufous in Ethiopian birds, and the throat is barred in some populations. Flight is undulating, like a typical woodpecker. Found locally in cultivated areas, gardens, woodland, forest edge, and grassland with some trees. Usually in pairs. Call is a loud, ringing series of “kwee” notes. Similar to Eurasian Wryneck, but easily separated by the rufous throat.
Canvasback
Aythya valisineria
Attractive duck with distinctive triangular head; forehead slopes seamlessly into the long bill. Males are white-bodied with black chest, reddish-brown head, and red eye. Females are dull grayish-brown with unique head profile and dark brown eye. Breeds in lakes and marshes. Winters in any large body of water with submerged aquatic vegetation on which to feed. Dives frequently, searching for vegetation and invertebrates. Often gathers in large flocks in nonbreeding season.
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