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
Southern Giant-Petrel
Macronectes giganteus
Widespread and fairly common; readily seen from shore and ferries in Tierra del Fuego. Giant-Petrels are known as vultures of the Southern Ocean and can scavenge with gulls at sewage outflows or with albatrosses at fishing boats; often follows ships. Very large (size of smaller albatross) with a very big pale bill that always has a diagnostic pale greenish tip. Plumage varies; most birds are dark overall or with whitish head, rarely whitish head and underparts; scarce white morph is snow-white overall with scattered black feathers.
Common Black Hawk
Buteogallus anthracinus
An aptly-named entirely black hawk with broad wings and short tail with a distinct white band. Flight feathers are slightly paler and it has long yellow legs and yellow on the base of the bill. Immature birds are streaky brown with dark moustache and pale eyebrow. Typically found in woodlands near water where it hunts; shows an affinity for cottonwood trees at the northern end of its range.
Short-tailed Grasswren
Amytornis merrotsyi
Small, pale, streaked bird with darker face and long cocked tail (albeit a bit shorter than in other grasswrens), found in hilly areas and ridgelines with spinifex clumps in the Flinders and Gawler ranges in South Australia. Similar to Striated Grasswren but with a shorter tail and slightly thicker bill. Upperparts rusty brown, with a slightly darker crown, white throat, and pale buffy underparts.
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