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.

Taxonomy

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

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
stable

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Española Mockingbird

Española Mockingbird

Mimus macdonaldi

Large gray-and-white songbird with a long tail, curved bill, black mask and mustache, and dark blotches on the underparts. Endemic to Galálapagos. Found only on the southeastern island of Española, where it is the only mockingbird. Very inquisitive and has almost no fear of people. Lone birds or small groups race around beaches boldly inspecting almost everything they encounter including shells, sea lions, cameras, and shoes. Often perches up on bushes or rocks.

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

Large pale dove with a black crescent on the nape. Slightly smaller and paler than Rock Pigeon, with a proportionately longer, square-tipped tail. Favors farms and suburbs; avoids areas with extensive forests. Typically seen in pairs or small loose groups; forms larger flocks in winter. Widespread and common throughout much of Eurasia and northern Africa. Introduced to, and established in, much of North America, the Caribbean, and parts of Central America. Compare with African Collared-Dove, which may occur in small feral populations or as an escapee throughout Eurasian Collared-Dove’s range. Especially note tail pattern from below: mostly white, contrasting with the grayish undertail coverts, and with black extending down the outer edge of the tail feathers. Voice - a cooing “woop-WOOO!-woop” - is also helpful.

Buru Golden-Bulbul

Buru Golden-Bulbul

Hypsipetes mysticalis

A thrush-sized olive-colored songbird with a long, fairly heavy bill. Plumage uniform olive-green except for narrow yellow chin, yellow patch between the bill and the eye, and partial yellow eye-ring above the eye. Pairs or small groups occupy forest, degraded forest, edges, and plantations from sea level to foothills. Unmistakable; limited to the island of Buru. Song starts with several soft “pip” or “chek” notes, then explodes in a series of variable whistles, e.g. “WEE-WEE-WEE-WEK-pewee-pewee-WEE-WEE.” Calls include dry “chek” notes and rasping “chirrrik” calls.

Start Your Bird Watching Journey

Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.