Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush
Catharus frantzii
Small, plain-breasted thrush of highland forests, especially humid pine-oak. Feeds mainly on the ground, but also in fruiting bushes and trees. Sings from low to middle level perches, usually well hidden. More skulking than very similar Russet Nightingale-Thrush, but can be seen early and late in the day, hopping along the sides of quiet roads and paths. Slightly darker overall than Russet, with wholly pale orange underside of bill and plainer gray breast. Song distinctive: repeated fluty phrases, richer than Russet's song. Also compare with similar Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush.
Identification
This species is 15–18 cm in length and weighs 28 g. The adult has olive-brown upperparts, a rufous crown and nape, pale grey underparts, becoming whitish on the belly, and an orange lower mandible. The juvenile is darker faced, has pale centres to the upperpart feathers, brownish flanks and breast, and dark barring or spots on the belly. Several poorly defined subspecies have been defined differing in the exact tone of the upper and underpart plumage.<p>This bird's song is a beautiful rich and varied whistle, shee-vee-li-ee-ree, and call is a high thin seet or whooeet.
Taxonomy
The species was first described by German ornithologist Jean Cabanis in 1861. The binomial commemorates the German naturalist Alexander von Frantzius. Its closest living relatives seem to be the North American species complex containing the veery, the gray-cheeked, and Bicknell's thrush.
- Scientific name
- Catharus frantzii
- Authority
- Cabanis, 1861
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Turdidae
- Genus
- Catharus
Range and habitat
The ruddy-capped nightingale-thrush is a resident breeder in highlands from central Mexico to western Panama. It is found in the undergrowth of wet mountain oak and conifer forests and second growth, typically from about 1350 m to 3500 m altitude.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
African Thrush
Turdus pelios
This widespread thrush shows a large amount of geographical variation. The upperparts are generally gray-brown, while the underparts can be buff, gray, or rufous. All across the range, shows a yellow bill. Found in a range of habitats, including forest edge, woodland, gardens, and cultivation. In areas without Abyssinian Thrush, also occurs in montane forest. The song is a pretty, variable series of chatty whistles and trills which can continue for a long time without a pause. Similar to Abyssinian Thrush, but found at lower elevations in areas of overlap, and is generally paler, with a paler yellow bill.
Bull-headed Shrike
Lanius bucephalus
A small, brightly colored shrike of forest edges and lightly forested fields and gardens. Adult male has pale-bordered black mask, mostly gray back and wings, blackish tail, and warm orange crown, nape, and wash on sides (worn birds less brightly colored). Female has brown back, less obvious mask, rusty crown and nape, and light barring below. Juvenile similar to adult female but lacks pale border around mask. Compared to juvenile Brown Shrike, Bull-headed has warmer orange tones, larger bill, and weaker mask. Song a harsh, raspy collection of notes (including imitations); call is a staccato chatter.
Tit-like Dacnis
Xenodacnis parina
Unique small tanager of high elevations. Favors Polylepis woodland, but also found in other humid forest edges and scrub. Males are deep, vibrant blue; females are orangey tan, with small blue patches on the head, wing, and tail. Most often found in small, single-species flocks. Song is a distinctive, explosive series of up- or down-slurred whistles mixed with buzzy hisses and rasps.
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