Sabine's Puffback
Dryoscopus sabini
A relatively large-billed shrike-like bird primarily found in lowland forest canopy. Male is white below and iridescent black above except for a white rump. The female is overall reddish brown, with more reddish wings and a grayish hood. Similar to several bicolored shrikelike birds in the region, but note Sabine’s Puffback’s large bill, striking sexual dimorphism, and unique song, which consists of a distinctive series of long whistles descending in pitch before arriving at a single repeated pitch, growing louder, and then ending suddenly. Songs can sometimes last several minutes, and are more reminiscent of some Yellow Longbill songs than of the songs of other puffbacks. Calls include typical puffback-like rattles and harsh calls.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Dryoscopus sabini
- Authority
- (Gray, JE, 1831)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Malaconotidae
- Genus
- Dryoscopus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Marquesan Ground Dove
Pampusana rubescens
A rotund, short-legged ground-dwelling dove that usually runs rather than flies when startled. Slate-gray belly contrasts with paler gray chest and head, and with purplish shoulders and back. No similar species occur in its range. Apparently rarely vocal, but has been heard giving a snarling sound.
White-throated Treerunner
Pygarrhichas albogularis
Distinctive little bird of native temperate forests. Usually found in pairs or small groups, creeping along trunks and branches (like Northern Hemisphere nuthatches), mainly in canopy but sometimes lower down. Often travels in association with Thorn-tailed Rayaditos. Identified by shape and behavior, plus its contrasting white bib, dark head (lacks golden brow of rayadito), and bold white spots on belly.
Peruvian Slaty Brushfinch
Atlapetes taczanowskii
Mostly gray brushfinch found in Central Peru. Bold head pattern with rufous crown, white throat, and black mustache stripe. Note plain gray wings. No similar species in range. A high elevation species, occurring in scrubby habitats from around 2,500-3,400m. Pairs usually forage at lower levels, sometimes accompanying a mixed-species flock. Relatively simple song usually heard only at dawn. More often heard is the complex descending chatter given as two birds approach each other.
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