Black-and-white Tanager
Conothraupis speculigera
Highly distinctive and unusual species that is more reminiscent of a large seedeater. It has a unique migration pattern, breeding during the rainy season in the Tumbes eco-region in northwestern Peru and southwestern Ecuador and wintering in the western Amazon. The male is hard to mistake for any other species; notably larger than any similarly-patterned seedeater in range, with a longer, thinner bill. Females are dingy greenish overall, with a pale yellow belly faintly streaked with olive. Combination of size and shape, and association with males of this species should clinch the ID.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Conothraupis speculigera
- Authority
- (Gould, 1855)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Thraupidae
- Genus
- Conothraupis
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Gray Currawong
Strepera versicolor
Large, crow-sized bird, gray or black, with large black bill and yellow eye. In flight, white undertail, tail tip, and primary bases distinctive; some subspecies of Pied Currawong very similar, but Gray has narrow pale trailing edge to wing in all plumages. Black Currawong has thicker bill and dark undertail. Loud ringing, clinking song, reminiscent of some lyrebird sounds.
Spotted Owlet
Athene brama
A small uncrested owl with a round head and a short tail. It is grayish-brown overall with white spots above while its underparts are white with brown bars. Note the distinctive white eyebrows and neck-band. Often active at dawn and dusk when it utters a loud “chirurr-chirurr-chirurr” laugh in addition to a variety of high-pitched squeals and whistles. Inhabits all kinds of open habitats but avoids dense forest and wetter regions.
Trumpeter Finch
Bucanetes githagineus
Small finch with a big, chunky bill, long wings, and a short tail. In the breeding season, males have a pinked tinged bill, forehead, rump, vent, wings, and tail. In winter sexes look alike and equally nondescript. Normally sings on the ground uttering short nasal notes. Found in desert and semi-desert areas. Nests on the ground in the open or under shrubs.
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