Silver-beaked Tanager

Ramphocelus carbo

A common understory tanager of suburban areas and forest edge. The bright silver beak stands out on red-and-black males, but the dull gray beak of evenly maroon females and immatures is less obvious. Frequently gives a loud, metallic “pink” call. Active in bushes and other dense growth near the ground, often popping up briefly before dropping nervously back into the undergrowth.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Ramphocelus carbo
Authority
(Pallas, 1764)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Thraupidae
Genus
Ramphocelus

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
stable

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant

Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant

Myiotheretes striaticollis

Fairly large flycatcher of the Andes from Venezuela to Argentina. Conspicuous orangish belly and black-and-white streaked throat make this bush-tyrant fairly easy to identify. Also note larger size than Smoky Bush-Tyrant and heftier bill. Typically found in open habitats, usually at the forest edge. Singles or pairs perch conspicuously, sometimes even on telephone wires.

Cliff Flycatcher

Cliff Flycatcher

Hirundinea ferruginea

This unmistakable long-winged flycatcher is widespread (though rarely very numerous) throughout much of South America. As the name implies it occurs around cliffs, landslides, and even buildings. Medium size, warm rufous coloration (brightest on the wings), and habitat are distinctive. Some variation across range, with birds in the Andes having more whitish speckling on the face. Compare with Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant, which is larger and has a streaked throat. Usually seen singly or in pairs, perched conspicuously on a snag, rock face, powerline, or building.

Black-and-white Owl

Black-and-white Owl

Strix nigrolineata

Handsome but scarce large owl of tropical lowland forest and edge. Found in forests, plantations, gardens, and towns. Mainly roosts high in trees during the day, but sometimes roosts in rather open situations. At night it hunts mainly at higher levels, but sometimes can be found pursuing bats under streetlights. Note the bright yellow bill and feet and boldly patterned black-and-white plumage. Varied hooting calls often end with an emphatic note.

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