Orange-bellied Manakin
Lepidothrix suavissima
A small, unobtrusive bird of lower slopes in the tepui region. Adult males are mostly black with a yellow (not orange) belly, bright white forehead, and sky blue rump; females and young males are bright green above and dull yellow below, with a bluish wash on the crown. Occurs at lower levels in the forest and feeds on fruit taken in short sallies, like other manakins. This is often the most common manakin in the higher-elevation forests. Most frequent vocalization is a high twittering, rising and falling slightly; very similar to a call of Tiny Tyrant-Manakin. Also gives a soft, single note with a peeping quality; both sounds are easily overlooked. Very similar to White-fronted Manakin of lowlands (and female-plumage birds of the two species are essentially identical), but adult male Orange-bellied has a solid black breast without a yellow spot. Females are told from other female manakins by bright green upperparts and bluish crown.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Lepidothrix suavissima
- Authority
- (Salvin & Godman, 1882)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pipridae
- Genus
- Lepidothrix
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Melocichla mentalis
Large, unusual brown warbler with a black tail, pale eye, and black “moustache” mark. Found in patches of tall, thick grass within savanna and scrub habitats. Generally skulking, and most often seen when it sits up to sing. The song is a chatty, warbling jumble with a distinctive fast cadence. Similar in overall shape and habitat to Fan-tailed Grassbird, but much larger, with a pale eye and black facial streak.
Cliff Flycatcher
Hirundinea ferruginea
This unmistakable long-winged flycatcher is widespread (though rarely very numerous) throughout much of South America. As the name implies it occurs around cliffs, landslides, and even buildings. Medium size, warm rufous coloration (brightest on the wings), and habitat are distinctive. Some variation across range, with birds in the Andes having more whitish speckling on the face. Compare with Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant, which is larger and has a streaked throat. Usually seen singly or in pairs, perched conspicuously on a snag, rock face, powerline, or building.
Rufous-chested Swallow
Cecropis semirufa
This large swallow has a brick-red rump and underparts and dark blue upperparts. It is told from other swallows by the metallic-blue patches on the side of the head that cover the ears and eyes. It is resident near the equator and is a wet season breeding visitor in the north and south of its range. The Rufous-chested Swallow flies strongly, with frequent swoops and changes of course, over sparse woodland, grassland, wetland edges, and other open habitats. In flight it differs from similar swallows by the color of the forward part of the underwing: buffy in Rufous-chested Swallow and white in Mosque Swallow, which also has a pale throat.
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