Greenish Schiffornis

Schiffornis virescens

Medium-sized olive green bird with a small head, massive eyes, and a short stocky bill. Olive-green apart from brownish wings and tail. Very secretive; found in the understory and middle levels of humid forests and second growth. The song is a loud double whistle.

Identification

The greenish schiffornis (Schiffornis virescens) is a species of bird in the family Tityridae, the tityras, becards, and allies. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.

Taxonomy

Genus: Schiffornis; Family: Tityridae; Order: Passeriformes.

Scientific name
Schiffornis virescens
Authority
(Lafresnaye, 1838)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Tityridae
Genus
Schiffornis

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Behavior

Migration pattern: Resident species.

Conservation

Population trend: declining.

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Wangi-wangi White-eye

Wangi-wangi White-eye

Zosterops paruhbesar

Only described in 2022; endemic to the island of Wangi-Wangi in the Tukangbesi archipelago off the southeastern tip of Sulawesi. Relatively large and lanky for a white-eye, with a striking orangey-yellow bill immediately distinguishing it from Wakatobi White-eye, the only other white-eye on the island. Also note the pale belly and chest contrasting with the relatively dull yellow upperparts and yellow throat. Found throughout the island in patches of taller and denser forest, although uncommon and already declining due to habitat loss and trapping for the cagebird trade. Gives a variety of calls, including a distinctive nasal series and a stuttered "tew-tew-tew." The less commonly heard song is a sweet warbling phrase, slower, lower-pitched, and less rambling than the song of Wakatobi White-eye.

Barn Swallow

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

A fairly large, colorful swallow. Usually easy to identify with its long, forked tail and dark rump. Iridescent navy-blue above with a rich orange throat and forehead. Underparts vary across range, from bright buffy-orange to whitish. Occurs in any open habitat, especially large fields and wetlands. Often seen foraging in flocks, sometimes mixed with other species of swallow. Typically nests close to human habitation; builds a muddy cup nest in a barn or under a dock. Listen for dry, scratchy “svit svit” calls. Note head and breast pattern and tail length to help separate from various similar species in Africa, Asia, and Australia (e.g., Welcome Swallow, Angolan Swallow, Pacific Swallow).

Emerald Starling

Emerald Starling

Lamprotornis iris

A beautiful and distinctive starling that is mainly iridescent green, with a purple iridescent cheek patch and belly. In poor light, can look black. Also note the dark eye. Found locally in lush savanna and woodland, usually in small groups that often perch up in dead trees. Somewhat similar to some other glossy savanna-dwelling starlings, but smaller than most, and easily separated by the bright green plumage and the dark eye. The vocalizations include nasal and squeaky calls. 

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