Chestnut-fronted Helmetshrike
Prionops scopifrons
A gregarious mostly dark-gray helmetshrike. Note the piercing orange eye, blue eye wattles, chestnut forehead patch, red legs, and orange bill. Small to medium-sized flocks inhabit coastal forest and lush woodland. Often in mixed flocks, most often with Retz’s Helmetshrike. Vocalizations include tearing notes, croaks, and bill snaps. Similar to Retz’s Helmetshrike, but easily separated by the chestnut forehead and blue rather than red eye wattles.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Prionops scopifrons
- Authority
- (Peters, W, 1854)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Vangidae
- Genus
- Prionops
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds

Plumbeous Pigeon
Patagioenas plumbea
Large dark pigeon of forest interior. Overall purplish-gray, slightly darker and browner on wings. Pale eye. Sexes alike. Note plainer appearance and longer tail than many other doves and pigeons. Most similar to Ruddy Pigeon but plumage grayer (not reddish) and eye paler. Usually quite secretive, staying in the canopy where singles or pairs feed on fruits. Found from lowlands into subtropical zone, up to 2,300 m (7,500 ft). More often heard than seen; listen for the cooing “who-cooks-for-you” song with the last two notes drawn out.

Black-hooded Sierra Finch
Phrygilus atriceps
Attractive small “finch” that is actually a tanager of the high Andes; found in villages, agricultural terraces, scrubby slopes, and bogs. Associates readily with other small seed-eating birds and in some places is tame and acclimated, begging for food at picnic sites. Handsome male is striking and distinctive with a golden back and plain dark wings (compare with smaller siskins). Female and immature are duller, but dark slaty hood and golden tones to back are distinctive. Compare with Gray-hooded Sierra-Finch to south and Peruvian Sierra-Finch to north.

Glittering-bellied Emerald
Chlorostilbon lucidus
Small green hummingbird found in a variety of open and semiopen habitats, such as forest edges, deserts, savannas, and gardens. Visits feeders. Iridescent green body with a forked dark blue tail and dark wings. Males have a black-tipped red bill with a blue throat, while females have a white belly, black mask, and a black bill with a red base.
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