Buff-throated Tody-Tyrant

Hemitriccus rufigularis

Small and rather scarce flycatcher found inside tall, undisturbed cloud forest along the east slope of the Andes. Note olive back and wings, buffy head and breast, and pale gray belly. May show some faint underpart streaking in southern part of its range. Typically encountered alone, actively chasing insects in lower to middle levels of the forest. Gives sharp “weep” calls either in a leisurely series or in a faster burst.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Hemitriccus rufigularis
Authority
(Cabanis, 1873)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Tyrannidae
Genus
Hemitriccus

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Coppery-headed Emerald

Coppery-headed Emerald

Microchera cupreiceps

Small hummingbird with obviously decurved bill. Male mostly glittering green with coppery crown and bright white outer tail feathers; female similar but with white underparts. Bill shape and white outer tail feathers are enough for identification. Found in forests and edges, usually singly but males sometimes gather to display.

Mediterranean Short-toed Lark

Mediterranean Short-toed Lark

Alaudala rufescens

A small pale lark with a short, finch-like bill. Usually seen foraging on the ground in open country with shrubs, grasses, and extensive bare soil. Stays low to the ground and runs quickly. The extremely variable song is made up of a long series of phrases containing a mix of many different types of notes, often including imitations of other bird species. Sings shorter song phrases than Turkestan Short-toed Lark, with shorter pauses between them. Visually, can be difficult to separate from Greater Short-toed Lark; best features are the heavily streaked breast and flanks and the lack of a well-defined eyebrow. Also extremely similar to Turkestan Short-toed Lark. Separation in overlap zone is difficult and poorly understood, and is complicated by both geographic and individual variation. Mediterranean is slightly more rufous overall, with broader streaks on the breast.

Black-throated Jay

Black-throated Jay

Cyanolyca pumilo

Rather small and elusive jay of humid evergreen and pine-evergreen forest in mountains. Usually travels in pairs or small groups, at times in association with larger and more conspicuous Azure-hooded Jay. Forages at all levels, usually well hidden in dense vegetation. Plumage dark blue overall with black face and throat bordered by narrow whitish eyebrow. Varied calls can draw attention.

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