Speckle-faced Parrot
Pionus tumultuosus
A fairly scarce but widespread Andean parrot, occurring from western Venezuela to Bolivia. This parrot has a plain green body with red undertail coverts and yellowish bill. Head color varies from slaty blue to bright pinkish-maroon with variable amounts of white speckling, sometimes looking like it was dusted with thick snow. Pairs or small flocks occur in montane forest, typically from around 2,000 m up to treeline. This is higher on average than other montane Pionus parrots like Red-billed, although there is some overlap. Often seen flying overhead, where the deep wingbeats eliminate other genera of parrots (like Scaly-naped Parrot, which has shallower wingbeats typical of Amazona parrots).
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Pionus tumultuosus
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittacidae
- Genus
- Pionus
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Nightingale Wren
Microcerculus philomela
Small, dark brown wren of humid evergreen forest in tropical lowlands and foothills; most often detected by its distinctive song. Usually stays low, on or near the forest floor in shady understory, and is difficult to see well. Note the small size, long bill, overall plain plumage, and stubby tail.
Cream-throated White-eye
Zosterops atriceps
A tiny warbler-like songbird with a pale eye-ring. Greenish above and grayish-white below with a yellow undertail and variable amounts of black on the front of the head. Singles, pairs, or groups inhabit forest, edge, and cultivated areas in lowlands and hills. Confined to Halmahera, Obi, and Bacan. Separated from Warbling White-eye by whitish or gray underparts. Gives a high-pitched twittering song, characteristic of white-eyes.
Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush
Catharus gracilirostris
Small skulking thrush, more often heard than seen. Distinctive if seen well: all gray, slightly browner above, with blacker cap. Bill and legs are dark. Dark eye distinguishes from Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush. Sexes alike. Found in forest, always low; can be seen along trails and is often less shy than other nightingale-thrushes. Song consists of simple flutelike phrases, often repeated.
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