White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher
Melaenornis fischeri
Large, long-tailed flycatcher. The wing and tail are dark gray and the head and underparts paler gray. In the northern portion of the range, shows a huge pale eye-ring; in the south and west, shows a much narrower, grayish eye-ring. Found in montane habitats including forest edge, woodland, and gardens. Often in pairs. Vocalizations include high-pitched whistles and scratchy notes. Subspecies without a bold eye-ring are somewhat like African Dusky Flycatcher, but are larger and grayer. Other gray flycatchers are unlikely to be found in montane habitats.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Melaenornis fischeri
- Authority
- (Reichenow, 1884)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Melaenornis
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Alaemon alaudipes
A unique, large desert lark. On the ground, plumage is unimpressive with spotted breast and overall sandy tones, but in flight a magnificent white-and-black pattern is exposed. Males are slightly brighter-patterned than females. Bill is long and downcurved. Constantly runs on its long legs. Breeds on sandy and stony plains and low hills. Resident or nomadic. Song is a beautiful ascending series on flutey whistles followed by a descending trill; often given in a dramatic vertical display flight.
Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe
Attagis gayi
Chunky, generally uncommon, rather grouselike bird of the high Andes. Found in pairs or small groups on bogs, stony slopes, and in bleak moorland of puna and páramo zones. Lacey “chainmail” pattern to upperparts is beautifully cryptic, and birds sometimes freeze when alarmed making them more difficult to see. No similar species in range; note the short stout bill and rusty underparts. Flight strong and fast, and flushes with loud shrieking choruses.
Greater Rhea
Rhea americana
The largest bird in South America; resembles an ostrich and is unmistakable. Flightless and appears tailless. Mostly gray-brown overall with very long legs and neck and a proportionally small head. Males have a dark brown crown and blackish lower neck and upperparts. Females have lighter plumage. Juveniles look similar to adults but are smaller. Inhabits open areas with scattered trees and shrubs, such as savannas and pampas, where it can gather in large groups. The males are responsible for incubating the eggs and looking after the chicks.
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