White-browed Scimitar-Babbler

Pomatorhinus schisticeps

Medium-sized babbler with a slightly decurved yellow bill. Somewhat similar in appearance to Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler, but has a clean white breast instead of a marked one. Usually forages low in the undergrowth, at middle levels, or on the ground, often in mixed flocks with other babblers and laughingthrushes. Found from the upper lowlands up into mountainous regions, where it inhabits forests with dense undergrowth, as well as shrubby edges and grassy areas. Repertoire is vast and includes whoops, rattles, and hooting. As with other scimitar-babblers, pairs duet with one another.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Pomatorhinus schisticeps
Authority
Hodgson, 1836
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Timaliidae
Genus
Pomatorhinus

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Rufous-browed Hemispingus

Rufous-browed Hemispingus

Poospiza rufosuperciliaris

Scarce bird of wet high-elevation forest in the eastern Andes of northern and central Peru. Not often seen, since its remaining habitat is difficult to access. Plumage is striking, with reddish-orange eyebrow and underparts as well as a black mask. Similar to Rufous-breasted Warbling-Finch of the western Andes, but eyebrows are longer and do not connect over the bill. It tends to stay very low, which can make it quite hard to see well, and it often hops on the ground or along fallen logs. Sometimes joins mixed-species flocks. Typical song is a lengthy series of seemingly random squeaks and chips.

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

Small flycatcher, extremely similar to several other species. Generally shy and inconspicuous; breeds in spruce forests often near boggy areas. Migrants tend to be found in denser wet areas within woods. Olive-greenish above with distinctive yellow wash on throat and belly. Black wings with bold white wingbars. Nearly identical to Western Flycatchers, but limited range overlap. Within range, main confusion species is Least Flycatcher. Bright yellow throat and belly is usually enough to identify Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, but some worn birds can be very similar. Song is similar to Least Flycatcher ("chebek") but more slurred, with a soft buzzy tone. Not frequently repeated like Least Flycatcher. Soft whistled call note, "pwee," unlike Least's sharp "whit" call.

Pale-footed Swallow

Pale-footed Swallow

Orochelidon flavipes

Uncommon swallow in montane forest in the Andes from Venezuela to Bolivia. Similar to the more common Blue-and-white Swallow, but look for the buffy throat and browner flanks on Pale-footed Swallow. Found in flocks, usually not far from forest. Not frequently found around human settlements unlike Blue-and-white Swallow. Occurs from around 2,400–3,200 m.

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