Ussher's Flycatcher
Artomyias ussheri
An unusual small, chunky flycatcher. At a distance, looks entirely dark, but a good view reveals a slightly paler throat and a dark undertail with paler fringes. Has long, pointed wings and looks a bit like a swallow in flight. Found in rainforest and gallery forest, where it perches up on dead trees, especially at the forest edge and around clearings. Often in small groups. Similar to Sooty Flycatcher, but there is little or no overlap in range, and Ussher’s is separated by its darker underparts. Easily separated from other flycatchers by very dark plumage and unusual habits. Not very vocal, but does give a quiet, squeaky song.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Artomyias ussheri
- Authority
- (Sharpe, 1871)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Artomyias
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Black-headed Penduline-Tit
Remiz macronyx
Distinctive-looking small bird found in riverside or lakeside vegetation such as reeds; generally avoids the densest stands. Buffy-brown overall with a dark head; Central Asian birds average paler than Iranian birds. Sexes are similar, but females are lighter-colored and less contrastingly marked. The ‘caspia’ form of Eurasian Penduline-Tit can be similar, but Black-headed has an entirely dark head instead of a dark mask. Like other penduline-tits, builds a hanging pouch nest, which in this species is typically woven between reeds.
Gray Goshawk
Tachyspiza novaehollandiae
Heavily built and powerful forest raptor occurring in two color morphs: all white; or gray and white. Both morphs have yellow legs, red eyes. Note broader wings than Brown Goshawk. Typically occurs in wet forested areas, including dense rainforest.
Cuban Blackbird
Ptiloxena atroviolacea
A vocal, gregarious inhabitant of many habitats, although avoids dense woods; often found near human habitation. Note the glossy purple-black plumage, medium-length squared tail, and somewhat thick bill. Similar species include Shiny Cowbird, Red-shouldered Blackbird, and Greater Antillean Grackle. The male Shiny Cowbird is smaller, shorter-billed, and has even glossier plumage than the Cuban Blackbird. The Greater Antillean Grackle has pale (not dark) eyes, a narrower bill and a longer tail. The female Red-shouldered Blackbird is a bit smaller with a narrower bill, and is less glossy. Vocalizations include “schee-o” and a loud “chuck,” both metallic and given singly or in series. Also common is a “chok, chok, chok, lee, lee, lee.”
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