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
Genus: Diglossa; Family: Thraupidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- 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
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Northern Slaty-Antshrike
Thamnophilus punctatus
Smallish bird of savanna forests and those on sandy or rocky soils. Male is similar to several other black-and-gray antshrikes; best told from them by voice and habitat. Key field marks for female are bold wing pattern and chestnut cap. Tends to be in drier habitats than other antshrikes in range. Occurs mainly at lower and middle levels of the forest. Forages deliberately, gleaning insects from leaves. Often in pairs, giving song as a duet; usually not with mixed-species flocks.
Ruddy Quail-Dove
Geotrygon montana
Shy and infrequently seen, rather chunky dove of tropical forests and plantations in the lowlands and foothills. Walks stealthily on the forest floor singly or in pairs. Most often seen as it flushes explosively from underfoot or flies low across a quiet road or trail. Bright ruddy-colored male is distinctive. Female is brown overall with a trace of the male’s facial pattern and has a pale vertical bar on the sides of the breast. Females lack the white tail corners as seen on White-tipped Doves and related species.
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