Olive-backed Tanager
Mitrospingus oleagineus
A bulky bird of tepui highlands, often encountered in groups. Unlikely to be confused within its limited range; plumage mostly coppery-olive (may tend toward yellow in sunlight) with a contrasting gray face and throat. Stout bill is silvery gray. Occurs in canopy of tepui highland forest, generally above 800 m, where groups forage noisily through vegetation, probing into epiphytes and dead leaves and hopping clumsily along branches, eating whatever is in their path. Frequents fruiting trees, and may join mixed-species flocks but are just as likely to be found away from them. Most typical call is a dreadful high-pitched screech, modulated as if the bird is being squeezed, and sounding quite literally like fingernails on a chalkboard.
Identification
The olive-backed tanager is 19 cm (7.5 in) long and weighs 35.5 to 46 g (1.25 to 1.62 oz). The nominate subspecies' forehead and face are dark gray and the throat paler gray. The head, mantle, and back are deep olive green; the breast is olive-yellow becoming brighter and more yellow on the belly. M. o. obscuripectus is very similar but the upper parts are a darker olive. The juvenile is duller and plainer than the adult and does not have the gray "mask".
Taxonomy
The olive-backed tanager and the three other species in family Mitrospingidae were previously placed in family Thraupidae, the "true" tanagers. A 2013 publication detailed how they did not belong there and proposed the new family for them. The North and South American Classification Committees of the American Ornithological Society accepted the new placement in July 2017 and March 2019, respectively. The International Ornithological Committee (IOC) followed suit in January 2018.<p>The olive-backed tanager has two subspecies, the nominate Mitrospingus oleagineus oleagineus and M. o. obscuripectus.
- Scientific name
- Mitrospingus oleagineus
- Authority
- (Salvin, 1886)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Mitrospingidae
- Genus
- Mitrospingus
Range and habitat
The olive-backed tanager has a very small range in the area where Venezuela, Guyana, and Brazil meet. The nominate subspecies is the more eastern and is found in extreme southeastern Venezuela and the adjacent areas of west-central Guyana and far northern Brazil. M. o. obscuripectus is found in the southeastern part of Venezuela's Bolívar state and probably in adjoining Brazil.<p>The olive-backed tanager inhabits the slopes of tepuis (isolated mesas) in humid and wet forest, mostly in the interior of primary or secondary forest but also at the edges. In elevation it ranges between 900 and 1,800 m (3,000 and 5,900 ft).
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The olive-backed tanager forages by hopping through the understorey or mid level vegetation, primarily for insects but also for fruit. It also catches prey in "short clumsy sallies". It typically forages in flocks of its own species that may number up to 20 individuals, though it may join mixed-species flocks or be joined by other species.<p>No information about the olive-backed tanager's breeding phenology has been published.<p>The olive-backed tanager's song is rendered as "zweee-eet?" or "zwee-er-eet?" that is sometimes repeatedly sounded [1]. It makes several thin, high-pitched calls while foraging [2].
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Dusky Hummingbird
Phaeoptila sordida
Rather drab, “female-plumaged,” medium-size hummingbird of arid scrubby habitats, including gardens and open woodlands. Feeds at all levels and usually wags and fans tail persistently while hovering—a good field character. Both sexes are dull bronzy green above and dingy, pale grayish below. Male has more extensive red on the bill and female has small whitish tail corners. Female Broad-billed Hummingbird similar, but brighter green above with very little range overlap.
Desert Wheatear
Oenanthe deserti
Small dark-winged bird found in dry, open areas with sparse vegetation. Frequently seen perched up on posts, telephone lines, and rock mounds. Breeding male is soft brown above and pale below with a tan breast and a jet-black face, wings, and tail; nonbreeding male’s face is mottled instead of solid black. Female is more modestly colored and is gray above with less extensive black on the wings. Beware of very similar female Northern Wheatear, which tends to be warmer-colored, especially on the breast and has more extensive white in the tail than Desert Wheatear. Bright white rump in both sexes contrast sharply with black tail when in flight. The male’s song starts out with brief series of short, sweet whistles, and ends with a mellow rolling note. Calls are dry and somewhat chattery.
Northern Rosella
Platycercus venustus
Pale yellow rosella with black crown contrasting with white cheeks. The only rosella found in Northern Territory and northwestern Western Australia, where it inhabits open forests and woodlands, often near creeks and streams. Primarily pale yellow and black above, with blue wings and tail and red under the tail. Usually observed in pairs or small groups, generally difficult to find. Call is a clear double note (often repeated); also gives chattering, rattling calls.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.