Puerto Rican Tanager
Nesospingus speculiferus
A noisy, gregarious species of middle to high elevation forests where it often forms mixed-species flocks. Typically roosts communally in palm or bamboo thickets. Its brownish back, blackish crown, bright white throat and thickset bill eliminate all other species within range; also note small white spot at base of primaries present on adults. Song is series of sweet two-parted phrases such as “chu-wit, see-you, chu-you.” The common call is a high thin “tsit” or “chit” given singly or in series.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Nesospingus speculiferus
- Authority
- (Lawrence, 1875)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Phaenicophilidae
- Genus
- Nesospingus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Spotted Antbird
Hylophylax naevioides
Stunning antbird, small and boldly patterned. Rotund and short-tailed. Male has white belly with band of black spots across chest, gray head, and rufous back. Female more washed out, but similar pattern. Usually seen singly or in pairs in understory of forest, often following a mixed flock or army ant swarm. Stuttered song is a series of slightly wheezy whistles, descending in pitch.
Socotra Cisticola
Cisticola haesitatus
Small, pale brown, heavily streaked cisticola. Endemic to Socotra, where it inhabits low shrublands and other habitats with significant bushy cover, mostly at low elevations. The song is a long series of dull “zit” notes, often given in flight; very similar to the song of the widespread Zitting Cisticola, which is not found on Socotra. Within its range, can only be confused with Socotra Warbler, but easily distinguished by the paler coloration and well-defined streaking.
Green-capped Eremomela
Eremomela scotops
Fairly small, pretty bird with a typical warbler shape. The back and crown are olive-green, the breast is whitish, and the belly varies geographically from whitish to yellow. Found in broadleaved woodland and moist savanna. Active, restless bird. Usually in small flocks, and often mixes with other species. Calls are series of low whistles and rough “brrit” notes, sometimes given excitedly by a whole group. The olive-green crown separates it from other eremomelas. Similar to white-eyes, but lacks white crescents around the eye.
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