Black-winged Saltator

Saltator atripennis

Sharply patterned saltator found in Andean foothills from Colombia to Ecuador, mostly below 1,500 m. Mostly black face with bold white eyebrow, small white patch on side of neck, and white throat. Underparts pale gray, wings black, back dull olive. Sexes alike. Usually travels in pairs or small groups through the middle to upper levels of forests and edges, not as common in second growth or gardens. Sometimes follows mixed-species flocks.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Saltator atripennis
Authority
Sclater, PL, 1857
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Thraupidae
Genus
Saltator

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
unknown

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Golden-fronted Leafbird

Golden-fronted Leafbird

Chloropsis aurifrons

Beautifully-colored bulbul-sized bird which manages to vanish into the green foliage. Orange forehead is diagnostic. Unlike several other leafbird species, sexes are similar. Inhabits lowland and foothill forested areas, where it forages predominantly in the canopy. Often gathers at fruiting or flowering trees. Exuberant warbling song has a distinctly scratchy quality. Calls include a fluid-sounding double note and various cheeps and rasping notes.

Northern Plain-Xenops

Northern Plain-Xenops

Xenops mexicanus

Active small bird of humid tropical forest. Usually found singly, often moving with mixed-species feeding flocks. Clambers and climbs on small branches, twigs, and vines, mainly at middle to upper levels inside forest. Often hangs upside down like a chickadee. Note the bold white whisker mark, boldly patterned black-and-rusty wings and tail, and short, wedge-shaped bill. Where range overlaps with Streaked Xenops, note the much plainer plumage in Northern Plain. Song is a short, high, liquid trill.

Lemon Dove

Lemon Dove

Aplopelia larvata

Dark, medium-sized dove with a pale face. Shows paler gray corners of the tail in flight. Varies geographically; most eastern and southern African birds have rufous underparts, while western and central African birds are gray below. Shy understory species that is most often seen on the ground inside thick forest. Often not noticed until it noisily flies away. Call is a deep hoot, usually delivered in a slow series, though sometimes in a quick series. Similar to Delegorgue’s and Bronze-naped pigeons but inhabits the understory and has a pale face.

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