Andean Negrito
Lessonia oreas
Tiny little terrestrial flycatcher, fairly common locally in open habitats of the high Andes, especially bogs and lakeshores. Feeds mainly by hopping on the ground, but perches readily on posts and fences. No similar species in range: male is black with a bright rusty back; female is dark sooty brown with a dull rusty back. In flight both sexes show whitish flash in wings (absent in Austral Negrito, which occurs in lowlands to the south).
Identification
The Andean negrito is around 12.5 cm (4.9 in) long, with males being slightly larger. It is sexually dimorphic in its plumage; males having black plumage with a rufous back and silvery-white flight feathers (that are only noticeable in flight). The female has a rufous back as well but the undersides and head are sooty and the upperparts are blackish brown. The throat is whitish and the breast tinged with dull rufous. The species has exceptionally long hindclaws, like those of a pipit.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Lessonia oreas
- Authority
- (Sclater, PL & Salvin, 1869)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Tyrannidae
- Genus
- Lessonia
Range and habitat
The Andean negrito ranges through the mountainous regions of central Peru south into western Bolivia, down into north eastern Chile and northern Argentina. It is most commonly found between 3,000 and 4,000 m (9,800 and 13,100 ft) above sea level, but may go higher in Peru or drop down to 1,000 m (3,300 ft) in Chile. It lives around lakes, streams and bogs and in seasonally flooded plains, in areas with low ground cover. The species is non-migratory.
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Behavior
The Andean negrito is a terrestrial insect hunter that is found in pairs or small family groups. It often perches on elevated tussocks or rocks to watch for prey. Prey is either sallied after on the wing from on or close to the ground, or chased after on foot.<p>Little is known about its breeding behaviour. In Chile it breeds between October and January. Males perform a fluttering display flight that goes 10–15 m (33–49 ft) in the air. Nests are simple cups hidden inside tussock grass, into which 3–4 eggs are laid.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Purple Sunbird
Cinnyris asiaticus
The breeding male is a metallic blue and purple overall with maroon feathers on the breast. The female is olive above and yellow below. The nonbreeding male of this species is primarily olive-brown with blackish upperparts and yellow underparts with blue-black band running down the throat and chest. Females can be distinguished from female Purple-rumped Sunbirds by its yellow (not grayish) throat. Seen in pairs, feeding chiefly on nectar, but they also take insects. Breeding males display by fluttering their wings in front of females while singing. They are found in gardens, cultivated areas, and forests.
Nilgiri Flycatcher
Eumyias albicaudatus
Entirely indigo-blue male is unique; Verditer Flycatcher is brighter blue and more elongated. Female Nilgiri is gray overall, though can sometimes show a bluish tinge in good lighting. Song consists of a lengthy series of various whistles and warbled notes, typically given from an exposed perch by both sexes. Sallies from perches in hill forest and forest edge; most common above 1200 meters.
Black-fronted Bushshrike
Chlorophoneus nigrifrons
Pretty bushshrike that has four different morphs. These vary by the color of the underparts: white with a pinkish breast, a black breast and yellow belly, yellow with an orange center of the breast, or red with a yellow belly. Found in forest, mainly at middle and high elevations. Often joins mixed feeding flocks. The most common vocalizations are repeated bell-like notes and low rasps. Variable, but in all morphs, separated from other bushshrikes by black extending above the bill and by the lack of a pale eye stripe.
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