Gray-crowned Flatbill
Tolmomyias poliocephalus
Small, stocky flycatcher with broad, flat bill. Occupies canopy and midstory of forest edges, gardens, and tall second growth in humid lowlands. Has gray crown, pale yellow underparts, and yellow edgings to wing feathers (but not wingbars). Very similar to a few other species of flycatchers, particularly Yellow-margined and Yellow-olive Flycatchers; best distinguishing features include its pale eye, lack of a yellow patch at the base of the primaries, and voice. Call is a loud, quickly rising whistle: “tuee?”, higher and cleaner than similar calls from species like Brownish Twistwing and Blue-backed Manakin, but not as high as the “twee-twee” of Purple-throated Euphonia.
Identification
Tolmomyias flatbills are robust small birds with broad beaks. The grey-crowned flatbill is about 12 cm (4.7 in) long and has a generally yellowish-green plumage, a grey cap and nape, and a yellowish throat marked with grey. The iris is usually a pale colour and the mandible has a dark tip. Several species of flatbill overlap in their range and are easily confused with each other visually, but their songs are mostly distinctive. The grey-crowned flatbill's song is a series of whistles rising in pitch with the final whistle trembling – "tuee? tuee? TUEE? tuEEuEE? tuEEuEE?". The only other similar song in the genus is that of the yellow-margined flatbill (Tolmomyias assimilis) which has a more rasping quality; flatbills in this genus are difficult to tell apart and the voice is usually the best means of recognition. The stance of this species is more horizontal than other members of the genus, and it sometimes cocks its tail.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Tolmomyias poliocephalus
- Authority
- (Taczanowski, 1884)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Tyrannidae
- Genus
- Tolmomyias
Range and habitat
The grey-crowned flatbill is native to the Amazon region of South America. Its range includes Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela. Its maximum altitudinal range extends to 1,000 m (3,300 ft) or locally higher. It generally inhabits the middle and upper canopy of the rainforest as well as forest edges, river valleys and tall secondary forest growth. The nest is shaped like a bag and has a tubular entrance near the base; it is often hung near a wasp nest.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Little Corella
Cacatua sanguinea
Small, vocal white cockatoo with an erectile crest. Primarily white with a small pink patch in front of the eye. Very conspicuous, and often forms large, noisy flocks (up to several thousand birds) around water sources. Roosts in trees and nests in hollows, but primarily feeds on the ground. Well known for its comical antics; they often appear to play with one another. Typically loud, with a slurred multi-note falsetto call.
Caucasian Grouse
Lyrurus mlokosiewiczi
Large gamebird endemic to the mountains of the Caucasus region. Male is jet-black with a tiny white patch on the shoulder, a tail that curves downwards at the tip, and flaming red “eyebrows.” White underwing patches are displayed during jumping lekking display. Female is brown with dense barring and spotting, as well as a long but uncurved tail. Both sexes are similar in appearance to Black Grouse, but ranges do not overlap. Found on grassy slopes at or above the tree line.
Sword-billed Hummingbird
Ensifera ensifera
Unmistakable. This ridiculous hummingbird has the longest bill in relation to its body size of any bird in the world. In addition to the striking bill, look for the overall muted green body color with a bronzy head. Found in the temperate zone of the Andes from Venezuela to Bolivia, from around 2,500m to 3,500m. Occurs in montane forest and edges, where it uses its bill to feed from long tubular flowers. Visits feeders.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.