Roraiman Antbird
Myrmelastes saturatus
Dark bird of highland forest understory. Male is entirely dark gray except for bold white wing spots; female is brown above and rufous below with a gray face. Inhabits tall premontane forest, generally between 500–1800 m on tepui slopes, and is especially likely to be found in steep terrain and in areas with many large, mossy boulders. Usually found in pairs that forage for insects on or near the ground, probing into crevices and tossing aside leaves, much like others of genus; does not typically join mixed-species flocks. Song is a long series of sharp notes, swelling in volume and dropping in pitch at end. Very similar to Spot-winged Antbird of lowlands, which it replaces at higher elevations (no known overlap); best distinguished by voice and habitat.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Myrmelastes saturatus
- Authority
- (Salvin, 1885)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Thamnophilidae
- Genus
- Myrmelastes
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Red-eyed Vireo
Vireo olivaceus
Plain olive-green above and whitish below with no wingbars. Red eye of adults is not always easy to see; immatures have brown eyes. Dark stripe through and above eye. Larger and thicker-billed than warblers. Breeds in mature deciduous forest. Often sings nearly nonstop throughout the day; listen for repetitive musical phrases coming from the treetops. Often with flocks of chickadees and warblers during migration. Winters in South America, where it could be confused with the very similar Chivi Vireo, from which it is best distinguished by voice.
Flores Crow
Corvus florensis
An entirely black crow confined to the island of Flores. Found in small, vocal parties within forest in lowlands and hills. Overlaps with Large-billed Crow, and similarly large-billed, but Flores Crow is smaller-bodied with a relatively smaller bill, and lacks the pronounced steep forehead characteristic of Large-billed Crow. Flores Crow is also a forest species, avoiding open habitats, and has a distinctive voice. Vocalizations are odd for a crow, including babylike, whining, high-pitched “waa” and “we-we-we” calls, the latter sometimes followed by a deep “kyop.” Also gives high “kraaa” notes, a throaty, disyllabic “kwiyou,” and other gurgling sounds.
Plain-colored Tanager
Tangara inornata
Well-named, plain gray with black wings and dark mask. Iridescent blue-purple shoulder is usually not visible. Most similar to Palm Tanager but grayer (not olive) without pale patch at base of primaries. Also could be confused with Blue-gray Tanager in poor light, but Plain-colored's dark wings are more contrasting. Sexes alike. Seen in pairs or small flocks in open woody habitats like forest edges or shrubby second growth.
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