Rufous Cisticola
Cisticola rufus
A small, brownish upland cisticola. Remarkably plain: brown on the upperparts and buff below. The unmarked face often has a gentle expression. Found locally in both thorn savanna and broadleaf woodland. Very similar in appearance to Siffling Cisticola, but generally has warmer coloration and lacks streaking on the back. Also similar to Foxy Cisticola, but less rufous, and there is minimal overlap in range. Similar to Dorst’s Cisticola, but smaller, and the cap and back are roughly the same color. Rufous Cisticola’s unimpressive song consists of 2-3 high-pitched, squeaky notes in a descending pattern, very similar to the song of Siffling Cisticola.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Cisticola rufus
- Authority
- (Fraser, 1843)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Cisticolidae
- Genus
- Cisticola
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Rufous-breasted Flycatcher
Leptopogon rufipectus
Fairly distinctive small flycatcher found in the Andes from western Venezuela to northwest Peru. Rather lanky and long-tailed with obvious rufous wash on face and breast and two rufous wingbars. Otherwise olive above with pale yellow belly. Uncommon in the lower levels of cloud forest, from around 1,500-2,400m, where singles or pairs are usually found following mixed-species flocks. Listen for loud squeaky call.
Pallas's Fish-Eagle
Haliaeetus leucoryphus
A pale-headed raptor of inland marshes and lakes. Tends to be uncommon and thinly distributed throughout its range. Adult is dark brown above with a paler belly and dirty-gray head. When in flight from below, a broad white band on the dark tail is the most eye-catching feature. Juveniles have an all-dark tail, but have two bright white panels on the undersides of the wingtips; this patterning can be similar to that of some kites, but the fish-eagle is much larger, with a longer-winged and comparatively shorter-tailed profile.
Black-capped Antwren
Herpsilochmus atricapillus
Small, long-tailed antwren of the middle to upper levels of woodlands and dry forests. Males are gray with a contrasting black cap and eyebrow. The tail is black and white-tipped and the wings are black with white bars. In females note the cinnamon forehead, gray back and buff belly. The song is loud and usually given as a duet.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.