Peruvian Martin
Progne murphyi
Scarce, local, and poorly known large swallow of lowland deserts and coastal areas. Usually seen as singles or small groups, usually apart from other swallows. Often flies rather high overhead, soaring easily and swooping more powerfully than small swallows. At times perches on desert slopes above agricultural valleys. Male is wholly blue-black, while female is dusky grayish overall with blue-black back and wings. No other martins occur regularly within its range.
Identification
The Peruvian martin (Progne murphyi) is a Near Threatened species of bird in the family Hirundinidae, the swallows and martins. It is found in primarily in Peru and far northern Chile with some records in Colombia.
Taxonomy
Genus: Progne; Family: Hirundinidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Progne murphyi
- Authority
- Chapman, 1925
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Hirundinidae
- Genus
- Progne
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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White-whiskered Laughingthrush
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Extraordinarily plumaged songbird with white facial markings that lend it an almost comical whiskered appearance. Brown overall, with accents of yellow, buff, purple, plum, blue, and orange throughout the plumage. Inhabits montane forest edge with dense shrubbery or grassy cover, but often emerges out onto roadsides and paths to forage, often crossing the road close to vehicles. Moves in noisy flocks or in pairs, giving soft contact calls and harsh rattling and whistling calls when alarmed. Song, a melodic tinkling, is simple but pleasant.
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