Bay-vented Cotinga

Doliornis sclateri

Uncommon cotinga found only in very high-elevation forest near treeline in the eastern Andes of central Peru. Adult plumage is gray with a tan breast and belly and a chestnut vent. Male has a black cap and a red crest that is usually hidden. Female lacks the crest and has only a little black on the crown. Juvenile is mostly brown but has the chestnut vent. Often perches up on an exposed branch. Typical call is a short, metallic rasp given at long intervals.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Doliornis sclateri
Authority
Taczanowski, 1874
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Thraupidae
Genus
Doliornis

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Diuca Finch

Diuca Finch

Diuca diuca

Distinctive and attractive “finch” (actually a tanager); common in lowlands and foothills of central Chile and Argentina, uncommon south into Patagonia. Feeds on ground and often seen on gravel roadsides, lawns, and stony slopes, where it moves with a distinctive shuffling gait. Often in small flocks, associating readily with other seed-eating birds. Big white tail corners show in flight and when flushed off roadsides. Song of fairly loud, bright chips is given from perch such as atop a bush or wire.

Melodious Lark

Melodious Lark

Mirafra cheniana

A small, compact lark with a small bill and a bold facial pattern with a distinct eyebrow. It has streaky upperparts with a distinct rufous wing panel and a lightly streaked buffy chest that separates the white throat from the creamy-buff belly. Pairs prefer lush grassland with vegetation shorter than 50 centimeters tall and with open spaces between the tussocks. From September to March, breeding males undertake lengthy aerial displays lasting 30-40 minutes, hanging still in the air before dropping and dangling stationary again, singing all the while. The song is made up of melodious whistles and trills, and buzzy notes, sometimes organized into series or repeating phrases, and incorporating a phenomenal repertoire of imitations of other birds. The similar Monotonous Lark is larger than the Latakoo Lark, with a plainer facial pattern, a less distinct eyebrow, and a different song and display.

Little Corella

Little Corella

Cacatua sanguinea

Small, vocal white cockatoo with an erectile crest. Primarily white with a small pink patch in front of the eye. Very conspicuous, and often forms large, noisy flocks (up to several thousand birds) around water sources. Roosts in trees and nests in hollows, but primarily feeds on the ground. Well known for its comical antics; they often appear to play with one another. Typically loud, with a slurred multi-note falsetto call.

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