Andean Laniisoma
Laniisoma buckleyi
One of the Holy Grails of Andean birding, this distinctive green-and-yellow species is slightly larger than a becard. Note scaled sides and breast, a long hooked bill, and large eyes. Males have a black cap with olive-green cheeks and back and bright yellow underparts. Females have a less distinct black cap and more dark scaling on the underparts. Very rare, local, and infrequently seen, with records on the east slope of the Andes from western Venezuela to Bolivia. Found in humid foothill forests where it can be seen foraging from the understory all the way to the subcanopy. The song is a very thin, high-pitched “psieeeehh,” repeated regularly.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Laniisoma buckleyi
- Authority
- (Sclater, PL & Salvin, 1880)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Vireonidae
- Genus
- Laniisoma
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Tricolored Munia
Lonchura malacca
Small, finchlike bird of weedy and grassy areas in tropical lowlands. Often in small flocks, which associate readily with seedeaters and grassquits. Adult is handsome and striking with rusty upperparts. Black head and underparts are cut by a broad white swath from flanks across the lower breast. Note stout gray bill. Juvenile notably plain, buffy brown overall with stout bluish-gray bill. Note the pointed tail, unlike seedeaters and grassquits. Native to Asia and spreading in New World as an escaped cage bird.
Tanimbar Flycatcher
Ficedula riedeli
An unmistakable, little-known, strikingly patterned small flycatcher confined to the Tanimbar Islands. Male is jet black above with a striking white eyebrow, wing patch, and sides to uppertail. Below, shows a tangerine chest and a white belly. Female is undescribed. Found in understory of forest in both lowland areas and in the foothills. Song is a complex high-pitched warble lasting a few seconds, and rising and falling regularly. Calls include a very high “sweee” and a soft, grating “grrr-it.”
Barau's Petrel
Pterodroma baraui
A pale, mid-sized petrel with white underparts, dark cap, white forehead, and black margins to the white underwing. In flight, also note the distinctive, dark “M” on the gray upperparts. Easy, buoyant flight in calm weather, often gaining height and gliding down towards the ocean surface. Wheels high and steeply in strong weather.
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