White-throated Flycatcher
Empidonax albigularis
Rather drab, small flycatcher of marshes and semiopen areas with bushes and hedges; winters mainly in lowland marshes. Flicks tail upward when perched. Looks similar to several other species in the genus Empidonax. Best identified by its distinctive call: a burry, slightly sneezy “rreeah,” quite different from Willow Flycatcher, which often occurs alongside White-throated in winter. Also note the whitish throat, buffy wingbars and flanks, and the lack of a distinct pale eyering.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Empidonax albigularis
- Authority
- Sclater, PL & Salvin, 1859
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Tyrannidae
- Genus
- Contopus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Daurian Starling
Agropsar sturninus
Small, strongly migratory starling; common on its wintering grounds, but localized when breeding, and often difficult to find when on migration. Male dark above, white below, but intricately patterned, with shades of violet, green, and orange in wings. Female has similar general pattern but brown above, grayish below. Prefers open areas between forests and meadows but feeds in open agricultural fields as well, often gathering in immense flocks.
Capped Heron
Pilherodius pileatus
This gorgeous medium-sized heron is uncommon but widespread in lowlands of South America, barely extending into eastern Panama. Not likely to be mistaken: combination of silvery back, buffy neck and belly, black cap, and blue lores (sometimes radiant turquoise!) help distinguish this species from other herons. Also note the long white plumes on the back of the head. Occurs around swamps, forested ponds, and rivers, usually singly.
Chestnut-breasted Whiteface
Aphelocephala pectoralis
Small bird with stubby bill, found in open shrubland in stony country of arid northeastern South Australia. Warm brown above, white below, with broad rusty-brown chest band, reddish-brown marks on the flanks, pale eye, grayish throat, and white mark above bill. Forages on the ground in small flocks. Call is a steady warbling twitter.
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