Saffron-crested Tyrant-Manakin
Neopelma chrysocephalum
A small, inconspicuous bird, much more often heard than seen. Most easily recognized by its striking pale orange eyes; also note gray face and longish bill with pale mandible. Yellow crown patch, though large, is difficult to see in the field. One of the characteristic bird species of white sand forests, occurring in both scrubby and taller forest types. Feeds on fruit and may be seen at fruiting trees and shrubs, though it tends not to be as numerous as other manakins. Best detected by its incessant call: a nasal barking, rather similar to call of Dusky-chested Flycatcher. Display song of male is a bizarre series of twangs, unlike any other bird species in range. Distinguished from Pale-bellied Tyrant-Manakin by paler, oranger eye and by yellower belly.
Identification
It's a small short-tailed manakin, with a light yellowish breast; it looks very similar to a flycatcher. One of the most notable features of the Saffron-crested Tyrant-Manakin is its saffron yellow crest that stands on its head. This crest is similar to the bird's plumage. This small bird, measuring around 10 to 11 centimeters (4 to 4.3 inches) in length, has distinctive black wings and tail with yellow markings. Its eyes are a dark shade. The beak of the Saffron-crested Manakin is short and stout. It has a very nasal call with a variety of repeated "wraaang", "skeeehh" and 'eerhhh" sounds.
Taxonomy
The Saffron-crested tyrant-Manakin, aka as Saffron-crested neopelma, scientifically known as (Neopelma chrysocephalum), is a species of bird in the family Pipridae, the manakins. A visually striking bird species endemic to the lowland tropical rainforests of South America, with primary distribution areas in countries such as Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. <p>The Saffron-crested Tyrant-Manakin belongs to the Pipridae family, which includes various manakin species, all known for their unique characteristics and behaviors. It was named by August von Pelzeln in 1868. The Spanish name for this species is Saltarín-Tirano de Cresta Azafrán.
- Scientific name
- Neopelma chrysocephalum
- Authority
- (Pelzeln, 1868)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pipridae
- Genus
- Neopelma
Range and habitat
It is found in the Guianas, southern Venezuela and the northwestern Amazon Basin. Its natural habitats are tropical forests and shrubland.<p>The range in northern South America is the coastal Guianan region extending into coastal northeastern Brazil, the north of Amapá state. The range extends westward from Guyana into southeast Venezuela, eastern Colombia and then extends southeasterly down the Rio Negro (Amazon) river wildlife corridor to the Amazon River and then to the Madeira River, it also goes upstream on the Amazon River 250 km to the Purus River.<p>In the Amazon Basin, the North Region, Brazil, the species is in the states of Amapá, Amazonas, and very southern Roraima. Populations are in northern Peru along river headwaters, (the region of the Ucayali River).<p>These birds are generally found in the tropical rainforests, particularly in countries such as Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. The preferred habitat of these birds are located in the tropical rainforests.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
These birds often exhibit interesting social behaviors within their flocks or mating groups. They communicate using various calls and displays to maintain social bonds or establish territories.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Mountain Illadopsis
Illadopsis pyrrhoptera
Chunky, mid-sized, remarkably drab bird. Found in the understory of montane forest, usually in small groups. Very shy and skulking, rarely seen unless expressly searched for. Most often detected by voice: a descending series of whistles, usually given together by a group of birds, some of which add lower “chuk” notes. Similar to African Hill Babbler, but has a dull-brown rather than rich rufous-brown back. Also very similar to other illadopsises, but generally found at higher elevations, and has a less distinct white throat.
Red-capped Parrot
Purpureicephalus spurius
Medium-sized, vividly colored parrot of eucalypt woodlands in southwestern Australia, where it uses the long bill to feed on eucalypt seeds, especially of Marri trees. Upperparts dark green, underparts purple, with red under the tail, red cap, and bright lime-green cheeks. Juvenile lacks red cap and is dully plumaged below. Calls includes scratchy chattering and squawking.
Gray-headed Elaenia
Myiopagis caniceps
Small flycatcher found in humid forest in lowlands and lower mountain slopes. Male is gray with paler underparts and dark wings with white wingbars. Female looks quite different with olive upperparts and yellowish underparts. She is very similar to Forest Elaenia, but has a paler and cleaner (not mottled) breast. Gray-headed Elaenia is also very similar to Amazonian Elaenia, but note its more southerly range. In areas where their ranges meet, identification may have to be confirmed by voice, though Gray-headed Elaenia usually shows a contrasting pale white or yellow eye. Typical song is a rapid, slightly descending trill, often preceded by one or more clear whistles. Usually stays high in the forest, often in the canopy.
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