Smoky-fronted Tody-Flycatcher
Poecilotriccus fumifrons
A tiny, inconspicuous flycatcher that is best told by combination of small size, relatively large bill, and dense scrub habitat. If seen well, note pale buffy spectacles and yellowish wing bars. Almost always heard before seen. Occurs in dense thickets and scrub, particularly in areas with sandy soils; may be found more generally in forest edge and disturbed habitats within its limited range, where it is uncommon but probably overlooked. Voice is a stuttering purr with a distinctive hollow quality, similar to other Poecilotriccus. Told from Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher by much duller plumage.
Identification
The smoky-fronted tody-flycatcher (Poecilotriccus fumifrons) is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Taxonomy
Genus: Poecilotriccus; Family: Tyrannidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Poecilotriccus fumifrons
- Authority
- (Hartlaub, 1853)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Tyrannidae
- Genus
- Poecilotriccus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Rufous-bellied Antwren
Isleria guttata
Tiny resident of tall rainforest. Wary and can be difficult to see well; note distinctive sputtering alarm call, tiny size, plain face, and large white (male) or buffy (female) wing spots. Generally found in pairs near treefall gaps and other places with dense understory; does not follow mixed-species flocks. Forages in low vegetation, rarely venturing more than a meter or two above the ground. Song of male is somewhat similar to Common Scale-backed Antbird, but has thinner quality and does not rise in pitch.
Marsh Grassbird
Helopsaltes pryeri
Extremely shy and retiring, this drab mid-sized warbler is most easily seen in spring when males perform a simple spiralling flight song above dense reedbeds. While the actual flight component is brief and easy to miss, the dry rattling song is quite loud. Like many other members in this genus, the Marsh Grassbird is warm brown overall, with paler underparts and black streaking across its wings, back, and tail.
Desert Sparrow
Passer simplex
Small, delicate pallid sparrow. Male has pale gray upperparts, a black bib, black lines in front of the eyes (lores), sandy underparts, and large white wing patches. Female is pale sandy overall with paler underparts. Found in sandy arid habitats, desert scrub, plantations, oases, and tamarisk scrub. Call is a rather deep "churp."
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