White-crested Elaenia
Elaenia albiceps
Rather variable little flycatcher, easily identified in southern South America (where no similar species occur), but looks similar to several other elaenia species farther north. Common summer resident in forest, woodland, and matorral with taller trees. Note white-based crest, narrow white eyering, and whitish wingbars. A population in the deserts of northern Chile and Peru with spikier crest and duller wingbars is a common resident in scrub and farmland with taller trees. Another population in the Andes from Bolivia to Ecuador has a weaker crest where the white base is sometimes concealed. Populations are vocally distinct, and may represent separate species.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Elaenia albiceps
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Tyrannidae
- Genus
- Elaenia
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Silver Pheasant
Lophura nycthemera
Large and spectacular pheasant found in forested areas. Variable across its large range, but the long-tailed male has either white or silvery-gray upperparts with a black crest, breast, and belly. Northern males are whiter above than their southern counterparts, though they still have some light black markings on the wings and back. Females are brownish overall with a much shorter tail. Both sexes have bright red face and legs. Hybridizes extensively with Kalij Pheasant where ranges overlap, producing variable intermediate hybrids.
Beautiful Treerunner
Margarornis bellulus
Rare but unique within a tiny range near the border of Panama and Colombia. Small brown bird that hitches along mossy limbs in humid cloud forest. Look for a buffy eyebrow, a white throat, and pale spotting on the underparts. Sexes alike. Similar to Pearled Treerunner but no range overlap; also note duller brown (not rufous) upperparts. Typically seen singly or in pairs, often following a mixed-species flock.
Black Honeyeater
Sugomel nigrum
Tiny nomadic honeyeater with thin decurved bill, found across arid inland Australia. Male has completely black upperparts and black hood that extends down the center of the breast to a rough point. Female gray-brown above, with mottled dark marks on pale brown underparts. Often attracted to areas of flowering Eremophila bushes. Call a long, high-pitched whistle, repeated slowly.
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