Black-crowned Antpitta
Pittasoma michleri
Striking and rare, this antpitta is found in humid foothill forest from Costa Rica to Colombia. It is quite plump and very short-tailed, with a hefty hooked bill. Distinctive plumage with black crown and throat, rufous cheek, and boldly scalloped black-and-white belly. Singles or pairs are denizens of the forest understory, usually found on or near the ground. Most likely to be found following an army ant swarm. Listen for a fast series of piping notes and harsh “wick wick wick” scolding calls.
Identification
The black-crowned antpitta is 18–19 cm long and weighs 99–110 grams.
Taxonomy
The black-crowned antpitta is one of two species in the genus Pittasoma. They are not in the antpitta family (Grallaridae). It was formerly placed in the antthrush family (Formicariidae) before being included in the antpitta family when it was split from the antthrushes. They were reclassified and placed in the family Conopophagidae based on DNA evidence. This placement is further supported by morphology, vocalisations and traits in their natural history.<p>The generic name Pittasoma comes from the genus Pitta and the Greek sōma, meaning "body". The specific name is in honor of Brigadier-General Nathaniel Michler. Alternative names for the black-crowned antpitta include the black-crowned pittasoma or black-crowned gnatpitta.<p>There are two recognised subspecies:
- Scientific name
- Pittasoma michleri
- Authority
- Cassin, 1860
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Conopophagidae
- Genus
- Pittasoma
Range and habitat
The black-crowned antpitta is found in Panama, Costa Rica, and northwestern Colombia. It mostly inhabits altitudes between 300 and 1000 m in Costa Rica, but is also found in lowlands in Panama.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Banggai Cicadabird
Edolisoma pelingi
Small cuckooshrike with a restricted range, found only in the Banggai Archipelago, east of Sulawesi. Males are mainly gray with black on the face, wing, and tail. Distinctive female is mostly rufous-brown, with unmarked buffy underparts. Found in forest and forest edge habitats. Vocalizations poorly known, but include downslurred whistles, sometimes given in pairs. Distinctive within its small range.
Malagasy Palm Swift
Cypsiurus gracilis
A very slender gray-brown swift with a long, deeply forked tail that is often held closed, making it look needle-like and pointed. The erratic flight pattern, with frequent direction changes and rapid wingbeats on long, scythe-shaped wings, is distinctive. Less gregarious than other swifts; usually found in pairs or small flocks, and association with other swallows and swifts is usually only fleeting. Forages over a wide variety of habitats with palms, including savanna, coastal scrub, towns, villages, cultivated areas, forest edge, and clearings, from sea level up to 1100 meters of elevation, preferring lowlands. Nests and roosts in palms, especially Hyphaene, Bismarckia, and coconut palms. Gives a high-pitched, metallic “tre-tit-tit-tit-tit-tit-tit-tit” call, solitarily or in unison with others. Separated from other swifts by its longer and thinner tail. Further separated from the larger Madagascar Swift by its much weaker and more fluttering flight.
Radjah Shelduck
Radjah radjah
Large black and white duck with obvious pale eye, pale bill, and chunky pale-colored legs. Note narrow dark breast-band. Typically found on and around wetlands, rivers and sewage ponds, including mangroves.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.