Black Manakin

Xenopipo atronitens

Small bird of dry scrub enclaves in rainforest regions. All-black male is distinctive; compared to other manakins, note longish tail and blue bill in both sexes. Locally common in low-stature forests and savanna scrub woodland, always in areas with extremely weathered, sandy soil. Eats fruit. Groups of males give vocal displays from dispersed perches, often well inside vegetation. Male resembles Amazonian Black-Tyrant, but has shorter bill and is unlikely to occur in the same habitat. Most common call is an unusual, squeaky chuckle; useful when searching for this bird in dense scrub.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Xenopipo atronitens
Authority
Cabanis, 1847
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Pipridae
Genus
Xenopipo

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Peaceful Dove

Peaceful Dove

Geopelia placida

Tiny gray dove with heavy barring on neck and chest. It has a pale blue eyering. The back and folded wings are covered in tiny black crescents. Tail is not as long and pointed as Diamond Dove. When disturbed it tends to fly up and perch on a nearby open branch. Voice is a repeated slurred 3-note phrase (low-high-low).

Emperor Goose

Emperor Goose

Anser canagicus

Stocky goose that inhabits rocky coastlines, lagoons, and tidal flats. Striking white head, black throat, and petite pink bill. Blue-gray body with intricate black-and white bars, a white tail, and bright orange legs. Face sometimes stained orangish-brown. Juvenile has a gray head, but still shows white tail. Breeds on marshy tundra and winters in small flocks on coastal waters. Rarely seen outside Alaska.

Red-breasted Flycatcher

Red-breasted Flycatcher

Ficedula parva

Distinctive, small flycatcher. Males have a rusty-orange throat that continues onto the breast. All plumages have a distinctive tail pattern with black terminal bar and white sides. Wings relatively plain and white eyering noticeable. When perched, tail is often held cocked with wingtips drooping. Compare with the very similar Taiga Flycatcher; note the more extensive orange throat in breeding male, warmer overall coloration, and more extensive pale pinkish on the bill base. Breeds in mature deciduous mixed forest, winters in forest, woodland and parks. Song is a series of bland and repetitive but sweet whistles, often with a few fuzzy notes as an intro. Often detected by a rattling "zrrrt" call, slower than that of Taiga Flycatcher.

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