Dambo Cisticola
Cisticola dambo
Small cisticola that is pale and buffy below, and dark on the back. The crown, back of the neck, and back are heavily streaked. Note specific habitat preferences, which can help with identification: found in seepage zones of seasonally wet grasslands, alongside but in wetter situations than Wing-snapping Cisticolas, but avoiding the seasonally flooded habitat of Pale-crowned Cisticola. Very similar to Wing-snapping and Pale-crowned Cisticolas, but longer-tailed than both, and further distinguished from Pale-crowned in breeding plumage by the streaked crown. Also similar to Zitting and Desert Cisticolas, but has a different voice, and is darker on the back. Song consists of nasal notes, given from a low perch (termite mound or grass stem) or occasional brief display flight at grass top height. In contrast to other small cisticolas, it does not have a true aerial display flight.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Cisticola dambo
- Authority
- Lynes, 1931
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Cisticolidae
- Genus
- Cisticola
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Black Metaltail
Metallura phoebe
Unusually dark hummingbird endemic to the high Andes of Peru. Plumage is mostly black with subtle hints of red and green. The tail is coppery when seen in good light, and it has a small white spot behind the eye. Adult male has a glittering green throat patch, which is smaller in females and absent in immature birds. Inhabits dense scrub and short forest. Often gives high-pitched, piping squeaks, either alone or in a short, descending series.
Patagonian Mockingbird
Mimus patagonicus
Fairly common in Argentine Patagonia, but local and scarce in southern Chile. Favors semiopen habitats, from shrub-steppe to farmland with hedges and shrubby patches. Often perches atop bushes and on roadside wires and posts. Runs well on the ground, usually with tail cocked; at times can be rather elusive, skulking in bushes. Identified by bold pale eyebrow, buffy-gray underparts, white wingbars, and white tail corners; compare with White-banded Mockingbird, which has much more white in wings and tail.
Tourmaline Sunangel
Heliangelus exortis
Dark hummingbird with fairly short straight bill. Male has bright purple throat patch and blue-green forecrown. Female has white throat. Also note white undertail coverts and fairly long notched tail. Fairly common in high elevation forests and edges in the Andes of Colombia and Ecuador. Visits feeders.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.