Plushcap
Catamblyrhynchus diadema
This distinctive little sprite is uncommon in the understory of the upper subtropical and temperate zones in the Andes, especially around patches of bamboo. It is rich rufous below and steely gray above with a shining yellow forecrown. Also note the stout dark bill. Sexes similar. Usually found in pairs or small groups, almost always following a mixed-species flock.
Identification
The plushcap is about 14 cm (5.5 in) long and males weigh on average 14.9 g (0.53 oz) and females 13.4 g (0.47 oz). It has a chestnut body and a golden-yellow forecrown (the plush part of the name). From its nape to its wings, it is black. The males and females look similar but the males are slightly larger than the females.<p>The subspecies C. d. citrinifrons is found in Peru and has a paler cap while C. d. federalis is found in coastal Venezuela and is brighter than C. d. diadema.<p>While the plushcap is usually quiet, when it does vocalize it has a long series of chirps and twitters.
Taxonomy
The plushcap was formally described in 1842 by the French ornithologist Frédéric de Lafresnaye from a specimen collected in Colombia. Lafresnaye introduced a new genus Catamblyrhynchus and coined the binomial name Catamblyrhynchus diadema. The genus name combines the Ancient Greek katambluoō meaning "to blunt" and rhunkhos meaning "bill". The specific epithet is from the Latin diadema which in turn comes from the Ancient Greek diadēma meaning "royal head-dress". The type locality is Bogotá in Colombia. The plushcap was at one time placed in the family Emberizidae but molecular phylogenetic studies have shown that it belongs in the tanager family Thraupidae.<p>Three subspecies are recognised:
- Scientific name
- Catamblyrhynchus diadema
- Authority
- Lafresnaye, 1842
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Thraupidae
- Genus
- Catamblyrhynchus
Range and habitat
Plushcaps prefer to live in montane forest or secondary woodland by Chusquea bamboo which they use to find food. They stay at high elevation, between 2,300–3,500 m (7,500–11,500 ft).
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
Plushcaps are considered of least concern due to their wide range in South America but it is thought that the number of individuals is declining. They tend to be common in their range.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Velvety Manakin
Lepidothrix velutina
Small, short-tailed bird found in lowland and foothill rainforest. Male is easy to identify with his glossy black body and azure crown. Female is mostly lime green with a yellowish belly; her plumage is much greener than other similar species such as Choco Manakin and female Red-capped Manakin. Most common call is a short, ringing trill. Male’s display song is a buzzy “purwit!”. Usually seen at lower to middle levels in the forest, plucking berries from fruiting trees. Formerly called Blue-crowned Manakin before that species was split. Velvety Manakin’s range includes Costa Rica, Panama, western Colombia, and northwestern Ecuador.
Channel-billed Cuckoo
Scythrops novaehollandiae
Gigantic cuckoo, with a red eyering and enormous pale beak. A mostly pale gray bird, with darker wings and tail. Flies around in the early morning calling strongly, and typically roosts in fruiting fig trees. Lays its eggs in the nests of other species, especially Torresian Crow and Pied Currawong. Spends the middle of the year in eastern Indonesia and New Guinea. Migrates to northern and eastern Australia over the austral summer.
Golden-bellied Euphonia
Euphonia chrysopasta
Yellow euphonia of lowland rainforest. Males are rich golden-yellow with a light gray nape and prominent white lores; females are similar but with gray underparts. Compared to similar female euphonias, look for the pale patch around the bill and yellow undertail coverts; never shows an orange wash as in other species. Prefers open forest habitats, like young rainforest and forest clearings, but also found sometimes within mature rainforest. Gives a variety of calls, including a short series of high whistles and chips, and a smooth “dwick” call.
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