Jet Antbird
Cercomacra nigricans
Small slender antbird, found in pairs skulking through low tangles in forest and edges. Male is very dark black with obvious white fringes on shoulder. Female similar to male but gray instead of black and shows white streaks on throat. Could be confused with Dot-winged Antwren, which is less skulky and has larger white spots on wing and tail; also note very different female plumage. Usually heard more often than seen; listen for harsh nasal song emanating from from the undergrowth: “reh-er, reh-er, reh-er.”
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Cercomacra nigricans
- Authority
- Sclater, PL, 1858
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Thamnophilidae
- Genus
- Cercomacra
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
White-throated Kingfisher
Halcyon smyrnensis
Large-headed, predominantly brown kingfisher with electric-blue back and wings, heavy red bill, and snow-white patch from the throat through the breast. Common both near and away from water; frequently seen perched on fence posts and telephone lines near wetlands, lakes, agricultural fields, and clearings. Gives jarring, raptor-like descending trills and cackles, often in flight.
Choco Toucan
Ramphastos brevis
Large black and yellow toucan with a yellow stripe on the top of the bill. Inhabits lowland and foothill rainforest west of the Andes. Similar to chestnut-mandibled races of Yellow-throated Toucan, but with black on the lower part of the bill. This can be hard to distinguish in poor light, so voice is often the best way to ID: it makes a rasping or croaking call instead of a yelp.
Mountain Wren-Babbler
Gypsophila crassa
This small mouse-like undergrowth inhabitant can be difficult to spot in the tangled, well-shaded montane forest ravines, gullies, and streams it favors. Listen for its song, a series of high, distinct piping whistles: “hi-hee-hu-huh-hi” or variants thereof. Can be quite inquisitive, allowing close approach; look for a small chunky brown bird with elegant pale eyebrows, an overall brown body with strong streaking, and a contrasting pale throat. Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler overlaps marginally in range but averages lower in elevational preference; it also has white spots on the wings and a different song.
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