Tapajos Antpitta

Myrmothera subcanescens

Retiring species, almost tailless with very long robust legs. Has a reddish brown-back and white underparts streaked olive-gray. Hops, or occasionally walks very quietly, on the ground of humid forest, normally close to fallen trees in dense undergrowth. Song is a haunting series of low hollow notes that increase in volume, audible from a long distance.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Myrmothera subcanescens
Authority
Todd, 1927
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Grallariidae
Genus
Myrmothera

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Rufous-fronted Prinia

Rufous-fronted Prinia

Prinia buchanani

Sandy-colored warbler with a long tail. Note white underparts, pale eyebrow, and rufous-tinged forecrown. Social inhabitant of dry open areas with scattered vegetation, such as plains and hillsides. Darts furtively between clusters of cover. Twanging repetitive song is given from atop an exposed perch while tail-wagging. 

Sahul Sunbird

Sahul Sunbird

Cinnyris frenatus

Tiny and active sunbird of forest edges, parks, and gardens; ranges from Sulawesi east to the northern Moluccas, New Guinea, and northeastern Australia. Both sexes have a plain olive back, a yellow belly, and white tail edges that are flared out in flight. The male flashes an iridescent blue throat while the female has a yellow throat and eyebrow. In parts of range, female Sahul may be confused with female Black Sunbird; note that species’ unmarked gray head and shorter, less curved bill. Gives a buzzy, twittering song, as well as a rising “dwee”, a familiar sound even in cities. Formerly grouped with other, closely related species under “Olive-backed Sunbird.”

Gray-headed Swamphen

Gray-headed Swamphen

Porphyrio poliocephalus

A very large bluish-purple waterbird with a red bill and forehead shield, as well as red legs and feet with long toes. The tail is flicked up often, revealing fluffy white “underpants.” Juveniles are duller than adults and lack the red bill and shield. An inhabitant of marshy, vegetated freshwater bodies such as swamps, rivers, and lakes; usually in small groups. Feeds, often clumsily, at muddy water edges, in reeds, and on floating vegetation. Makes short nasal grunts and croaking sounds. Formerly part of the species known as Purple Swamphen.

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