Golden-eared Tanager
Tangara chrysotis
Colorful cloud forest tanager found mainly along the east slope of the Andes. It is bluish-green with an orange face, coppery belly, and bold black markings on the head and back. Nothing similar occurs in its range. Typically stays rather high in the trees and is usually encountered following mixed-species flocks. Occasionally visits feeders in some areas.
Taxonomy
The golden-eared tanager was first described as Calliste chrysotis by Bernard du Bus de Gisignies in 1846, on the basis of a specimen collected from Peru. The generic name Tangara comes from the Tupí word tangara, which means dancer. The specific name chrysotis is from the Ancient Greek χρυσος (khrusos), meaning golden, and ωτις (otis), meaning eared. Golden-eared tanager is the official common name designated by the International Ornithologists' Union (IOC). Other names for the species include golden eared tanager.<p>The golden-eared tanager is one of 27 species in the genus Tangara. Within the genus, it is put in a species group with the blue-whiskered tanager, green-and-gold tanager, emerald tanager, golden tanager, silver-throated tanager, saffron-crowned tanager, and flame-faced tanager. The golden-eared tanager is sister to a clade formed by the rest of the species in this group. This placement has been supported by DNA evidence. It has no subspecies.
- Scientific name
- Tangara chrysotis
- Authority
- (Du Bus de Gisignies, 1846)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Thraupidae
- Genus
- Tangara
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Sudan Golden Sparrow
Passer luteus
An unusual small sparrow of dry country. Males have a yellow head and underparts and a chestnut back. Females are much plainer, sandy brown on the back and pale below with a yellow wash. Found in dry thorn savanna, thorn scrub, and semi-desert. Nests colonially, and usually found in flocks, sometimes large, and sometimes mixed with other bird species. Similar to Arabian Golden Sparrow, but almost does not overlap in range. Male is separated by his chestnut back, and females by being duller and less yellow. The common calls include chirps and chatters.
Rusty-crowned Ground-Sparrow
Melozone kieneri
Attractive, rather skulking large sparrow of foothills, endemic to west Mexico. Favors brushy understory of tropical woodlands, shade-coffee plantations, and brushy hedges in farmland. Mostly stays well hidden on or near the ground, but can feed in the open beside quiet roads and trails, especially in early mornings; usually in pairs. Note the rusty cap (often raised when excited), white spectacles, and extensive white bib with a dark central spot.
Smooth-billed Ani
Crotophaga ani
Anis are bizarre, coal-black cuckoos with long floppy tails and unique, curiously tall, flattened bills. Smooth-billed occurs in a variety of open and semi-open habitats in tropical lowlands and foothills, typically staying low in shrubs and grasses. Gregarious and not particularly graceful; usually seen crashing around awkwardly in small groups. Flies with choppy wingbeats and long glides. Widespread and common throughout much of South America and the Caribbean, extending as far west as the Pacific slope of Costa Rica and north to Florida. Compare with the very similar Groove-billed Ani, which overlaps in some areas of Central and South America. Note especially the bill shape: Smooth-billed often (but not always) has a taller ridge on the top of the bill, and a sharper angle on the lower edge of the bill. The sides are typically smooth, rarely with weak grooves. Voice is also important: listen for a rising, hawklike whistle with an inflection at the end. Dark eye, size, and habitat help separate from Greater Ani in South America and Panama.
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