Chestnut-winged Starling

Onychognathus fulgidus

The default red-winged black starling of lowland forests in its range, with a distinctive glossy black body and a noticeably long tail. Females are similar to males but have grayer, less glossy heads. Often seen in the canopy, especially in or near fruiting trees, where it sometimes forages with other starlings. Gives a mixture of grating notes and chucks along with whistled, two-parted flight calls.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Onychognathus fulgidus
Authority
Hartlaub, 1849
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Sturnidae
Genus
Onychognathus

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Other Birds

Forest Penduline-Tit

Forest Penduline-Tit

Anthoscopus flavifrons

Tiny, drab bird with a sharp bill, a dull olive-green back, and buffy yellow underparts and forehead. Found in lowland rainforest, secondary forest, and sometimes plantations, usually in the canopy. Uncommon and inconspicuous, in pairs or small flocks. Similar to Yellow Penduline-Tit, but much duller and found in different habitat. Could be confused with Tit-Hylia, but duller overall, without streaking on the head and breast. Could also be confused with some dull sunbirds, but has a shorter, deeper-based, and sharper bill. The vocalizations are very high-pitched “sit” notes that are easily missed.

Band-tailed Pigeon

Band-tailed Pigeon

Patagioenas fasciata

Large dove found in mature montane forests from the western U.S. and Canada into Middle and South America. Soft blue-gray above and unique purplish-gray below, with white crescent on the nape. Yellow feet. Bill is yellow with black tip in northern populations, all yellow in southern ones. Forms large flocks in coniferous forests and montane areas where it feeds on seeds and fruits. When it takes off, wings make loud clapping sound.

Slaty Gnateater

Slaty Gnateater

Conopophaga ardesiaca

Small, compact bird found in the understory of humid, mossy mid-elevation montane forest. Males are dark gray with a brown back and cap; females are similar, with a reddish-orange face. Both sexes have white head plumes that are raised when agitated. Smaller and darker than antpittas, which are similar in body structure. Forages singly or in pairs. Listen for the male’s song, a series of raspy rising “bree?” notes, typically given early in the morning or at dusk.

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