Cone-billed Tanager
Conothraupis mesoleuca
Recently rediscovered tanager. Males are black and white with a whitish-gray bill and small white wing patch. Females are uniformly olive-brown with a darker bill. Found in seasonally flooded forests along rivers and in gallery forest, but always near water. Forages at lower levels but also perches in the tops of trees. Feeds on seeds but also has been reported flycatching. The song begins with a series of low notes and finishes with a trill: “tche, tche, tche, tche, tche, tcherrrrrrrrrrrr, tcherrrrrrrrr, tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii.”
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Conothraupis mesoleuca
- Authority
- (Berlioz, 1939)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Thraupidae
- Genus
- Conothraupis
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
White-throated Woodpecker
Piculus leucolaemus
Medium-sized woodpecker with a bold, yellow stripe through its face. Inhabits lowland and foothill rainforest. Both sexes have olive-green back, scaled breast, and barred belly. Male has red crown and mustache stripe; female has red only on hindcrown. Similar to Yellow-throated Woodpecker, but a white throat and much less yellow on face. Compared to Golden-green Woodpecker, breast is scaled (not barred), and eye is dark. Forages at middle to upper levels of the forest, often with mixed-species flocks. Typical call is a hoarse scream.
Glossy-backed Becard
Pachyramphus surinamus
Smallish, dapper bird of rainforest canopy. Usually seen from below; best identified by clean white underparts, heavy bill, and upright posture. With better view, note male’s iridescent blue sheen above and female’s distinctive pattern. Moves through canopy slowly and deliberately, scanning surroundings and sallying for insects. Uncommon in tall forest; often seen with mixed-species flocks. Most common call is a series of sweet, rising whistles with the first note drawn out.
Gray-chested Greenlet
Hylophilus semicinereus
Small vireo-like bird with an olive back and forehead contrasting with pale underparts. Note the white eyes. Inhabits the upper levels of second growth, humid forest, and seasonally flooded forests, where often accompanies mixed-species flocks. Sings a rapid series of “wee-wee-wee” notes, repeated continually. The similar Lemon-chested Greenlet has a yellow breast band.
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