Greater Flowerpiercer
Diglossa major
Small, dark gray bird of highland forest. Gray plumage is set off by chestnut undertail coverts and black mask and chin, which contrast with the pale silvery bill. Distinctive bill shape can be difficult to discern at a distance. Found only at high elevations (above 1000 m) in the tepui highlands, where it is a locally fairly common resident of humid forest and scrub. In taller forest, it is generally in the canopy but may occasionally descend into the understory. Often observed at fruiting and flowering trees and shrubs, where it plucks fruit and pierces into the bases of flowers to drink nectar. Also follows mixed-species flocks. Unusual song is a mix of high peeping and harsh grating notes; the peeping notes are also given as a contact call. Considerably larger than other flowerpiercers, and unlikely to be mistaken for other species in its limited range.
Identification
The greater flowerpiercer grows to a length of about 16.5 cm (6.5 in) and is larger than any other species in the genus. The adult has a black mask but is otherwise a bluish-slate colour, with a silvery moustachial streak and silvery streaks on the crown and mantle. It has a chestnut crissum (the area around the cloaca). It is unlikely to be confused with related species because no other members of the genus shares its range.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Diglossa major
- Authority
- Cabanis, 1849
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Thraupidae
- Genus
- Diglossa
Range and habitat
The greater flowerpiercer occurs around the tepuis (flat-topped mountains) that are found in the southeastern part of Venezuela and the adjoining areas of northern Brazil, eastern Bolivia and western Guyana. Its altitudinal range is from 1,300 to 2,800 m (4,300 to 9,200 ft) but it is most common above 1,800 m (5,900 ft). It typically occurs in clearings and edges of montane forest, in shrubland and stunted woodland.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
This bird usually forages alone or in pairs, but sometimes joins small mixed species groups. It feeds on insects as well as nectar which it extracts by probing and piercing flowers. The nest is constructed of grasses and fine twigs and is cup-shaped. It is built among rocks, often under an overhang.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Medium-sized harrier, flies with wings held in a V-shape, low over open fields and marshes, listening for rodents lurking below. Distinctive foraging behavior and conspicuous white patch on rump in all plumages. Five long primary ‘finger tips’ prominent in flight. Females and immatures are warm brown with streaky breasts. Adult male has plain mid-gray wings with black wingtips and paler belly.
Spotted Shag
Phalacrocorax punctatus
A slim, medium-sized, gray-blue marine shag with yellow-orange feet and a long, slender bill. Breeding plumage is elegant with bright green facial skin, blue eye-rings, and two curved thick white stripes that extend from each eye down to the side of the neck. Non-breeding plumage is duller with crests absent, diminished but still visible neck stripe, and yellowish facial skin. Immatures are paler and browner, lacking head or neck markings. Endemic to New Zealand, where it is mainly found in the coastal waters around the South Island and parts of the North Island. Distinguished from Pitt Island Shag by neck stripe and by the lack of a purple patch in front of the eye. Other similar shags that overlap have pink feet, not yellow.
Stephanie's Astrapia
Astrapia stephaniae
A long-tailed bird of montane forest canopy. Male has much longer tail with an iridescent green head and bib with a black chest band bordered with a thin gold stripe. Female is blackish with barring on the belly. Feeds on fruit and searches for insects on mossy branches and epiphytes. Similar to Ribbon-tailed Astrapia (with which it can hybridize), but female Stephanie’s lacks the iridescence on the head and the male’s tail is black rather than white. Voice, a rising, nasal “week!”.
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