Chestnut-crested Cotinga
Ampelion rufaxilla
Striking and scarce, this cotinga is found atop the canopy in the subtropical and temperate zone in the Andes. Like most cotingas, it is plump with a relatively short bill and tail. Key features include its mostly orange throat and neck and bold dark streaks on a pale yellowish belly. Also note the red eye and small chestnut shoulder patch. The namesake chestnut crest is usually laid flat down the nape, but is occasionally raised into a spectacular splayed bouquet of feathers. Occurs at lower elevations and typically in more intact forest than Red-crested Cotinga. Usually found singly or in pairs.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Ampelion rufaxilla
- Authority
- (Tschudi, 1844)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Cotingidae
- Genus
- Ampelion
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Black Tinamou
Tinamus osgoodi
Large, rare tinamou found in cloud forest along the east slope of the Andes. It is uniformly sooty gray, much darker and plainer than Gray Tinamou. Rusty lower underparts are hard to see in the field. Like other forest tinamous, it is far more likely to be heard than seen. Vocalizations include a low, drawn out coo, like a dove’s but longer, and a series of low, modulated whistles.
Red-throated Crag-Martin
Ptyonoprogne rufigula
A subtly colored member of the swallow family. Dark brown on the back with paler underparts. The forked tail has white spots, though these are not always easy to see. The “red throat” amounts to a slight pinkish tinge. Nests in canyons, escarpments, gorges, and on human structures. Often seen in pairs or small groups. At a distance, can be confused with “Riparia” martins; look for Pale Crag-Martin’s white tail patches. Separation from Southern Crag-Martin may be tricky, but there is little overlap in range.
Rufous Vanga
Schetba rufa
Chunky mid-sized vanga with boldly rufous, black, and white coloration. Males have a black hood, whereas females have a black cap and white throat. Found in both dry forest and rainforest, though more common in dry forest. Generally sluggish, and often perches at middle levels for long periods. Can become aggressive toward other birds that enter its territory. Large cup nest is often conspicuously placed in a low crotch of a tree. Song is a long, descending, musical trill.
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