Northern Schiffornis
Schiffornis veraepacis
Elusive, chunky brown bird of shady forest understory in humid tropical lowlands. Heard far more often than seen. Haunting, slurred whistle carries well and is easily imitated. Song given irregularly; not steadily repeated. Note the chunky build, drab dark olive-brown plumage with paler eyering accentuating big eye, and rather slender black bill. Tends to perch quietly and upright, then slips off like a ghost and not seen again.
Identification
It is medium-sized, about 24 cm (9 in.) long.
Taxonomy
The northern schiffornis has traditionally been placed in the manakin family, but evidence strongly suggest it is better placed in Tityridae, where now placed by SACC.<p>The species was split by the AOU in 2013 from the species complex thrush-like schiffornis.
- Scientific name
- Schiffornis veraepacis
- Authority
- (Sclater, PL & Salvin, 1860)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Tityridae
- Genus
- Schiffornis
Range and habitat
It is found from southeast Mexico to western Colombia and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Rwenzori Apalis
Oreolais ruwenzorii
Slim, pretty, long-tailed member of the cisticola family that sports gray upperparts and buffy underparts with a black chest band. Common in montane forest of the Albertine Rift. Usually in pairs or small groups, readily joining mixed-species flocks. Vocalizations include a ringing “svink” and a lower “veet” which are often given in duet by a pair. Not known to overlap in range with Black-collared Apalis, and differs in having a buffy rather than white throat, and no white in the outer tail.
Ruddy Treerunner
Margarornis rubiginosus
This small forest bird is bright rufous overall with an obvious white throat and eyebrow. Similar to various spinetails and foliage-gleaners, but it’s the only small rufous-brown bird in its range with such a prominent head pattern. Usually seen singly or in pairs, often following a mixed-species flock. Found in montane forests and edges from 1200m up to treeline. Hitches up mossy branches, probing around for invertebrates.
Tanimbar Megapode
Megapodius tenimberensis
A large, dull-colored partridge-like bird with powerful legs and feet, an obvious crest, and pink facial skin. Shy. Singles and pairs inhabit the forest floor within the lowlands. Restricted to Tanimbar Islands, where it is the only megapode, so easily recognized. Gives raucous “KE-OW-KE-OW-KE-OW” calls as well as “KWAK-KWAK-KWAK” notes.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.