Puna Ground-Tyrant

Muscisaxicola juninensis

Fairly common, rather drab, small terrestrial flycatcher of puna habitats in the high Andes, especially bogs and lakeshores with rocky surroundings and bunchgrasses. Virtual absence of field marks is a field mark: plumage lacks strong contrast or color, but hindcrown has dull rusty blush, visible with good views, and face has very weak paler eyebrow. Much smaller than White-fronted Ground-Tyrant, which is often found in same areas.

Identification

The puna ground tyrant (Muscisaxicola juninensis) is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru.

Taxonomy

Genus: Muscisaxicola; Family: Tyrannidae; Order: Passeriformes.

Scientific name
Muscisaxicola juninensis
Authority
Taczanowski, 1884
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Tyrannidae
Genus
Muscisaxicola

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Behavior

Migration pattern: Resident species.

Conservation

Population trend: stable.

Population trend
stable

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Double-crested Cormorant

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

Dark body with orange bare skin at the base of the bill. Breeding adults are all black. Immatures and nonbreeders have paler breast. Dives underwater to catch fish. Swims like a duck in between dives. Finds open perches to spread wings and dry feathers. Can be in large flocks or solo. Most widespread cormorant across U.S. and Canada; also most likely to be seen inland.

Black-headed Bulbul

Black-headed Bulbul

Microtarsus melanocephalos

Olive-yellow bulbul with a black head and unsettling sapphire eyes. Broad black band across the tail is especially noticeable when seen from below. No other bulbul in its range sports a crestless dark head, but look out for the slenderer and longer-billed leafbirds, whose dark throats may cause confusion when seen from below. Extremely rare gray morph replaces all yellow with gray, and intermediate birds have both yellow and gray patches. Inhabits broadleaf and mixed forests as well as edges, often in areas close to water. Usually seen in pairs or small flocks in the upper layers of lowland and foothill forest. Unlike many other bulbuls, not particularly vocal; gives occasional “chew” or “chep” notes, often while flying.

Choco Brushfinch

Choco Brushfinch

Atlapetes crassus

This chunky bird is dingy yellow below and dark brownish above with a tawny crown. Sexes similar. Could be confused with Yellow-breasted Brushfinch, which is found at higher elevations and has a brighter rufous crown. Pairs or small groups are found foraging in the lower levels of montane forest, edges and tangles, often clambering around a couple meters from the ground. Found from around 600–2,500 m.

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