Kretschmer's Longbill
Macrosphenus kretschmeri
An unusual warbler with a long bill and pale eyes. Dull brownish overall with slightly paler underparts. Found in humid forest at low and middle elevations, mainly in dense tangles at middle levels, usually in pairs or small groups. Similar in appearance to some greenbuls, but has a shorter tail and a longer bill. Most often detected by the distinctive song: a chirpy phrase of 3-5 whistles in an up-and-down pattern, usually repeated after a pause. The quality of the notes is reminiscent of a bulbul.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Macrosphenus kretschmeri
- Authority
- (Reichenow & Neumann, 1895)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Macrosphenidae
- Genus
- Macrosphenus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Crested Francolin
Ortygornis sephaena
A medium-sized buff-brown francolin with an occasionally-raised bushy crest. There is a broad “string-of-pearls” collar around the white throat. It frequents savanna and riverine forest. Heralds the dawn and dusk with a repeated, rapid, cheery “cheer kirk-kik” call usually given as a synchronized duet between a pair. Walks confidently with a cocked tail, giving it a chicken’s gait.
Tropical Kingbird
Tyrannus melancholicus
Large, ubiquitous yellow-bellied flycatcher found throughout most of Middle and South America, though tends to be uncommon at the far northern end of its range in the U.S. A classic “telephone wire” bird along roadsides and in towns. Prefers open areas with some trees and water. Most abundant in lowlands and foothills, but ventures up to over 3,000m in some parts of range. Listen for sharp, high-pitched twitters. Nearly identical to Couch’s Kingbird, which overlaps from Texas to Belize; best separated by voice. Larger and longer-billed than Western and Cassin’s Kingbird; also note paler brownish tail. Also very similar to White-throated (longer, forked tail) and Snowy-throated (dark mask) Kingbirds in some parts of South America.
Bahia Tapaculo
Eleoscytalopus psychopompus
Small, retiring bird, gray above and white below with an unbarred cinnamon vent. Occurs in a few remaining fragments of humid forest with dense understory, often near water, across a very restricted range. The song is a low trill, repeated continually.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.