Slaty Gnateater
Conopophaga ardesiaca
Small, compact bird found in the understory of humid, mossy mid-elevation montane forest. Males are dark gray with a brown back and cap; females are similar, with a reddish-orange face. Both sexes have white head plumes that are raised when agitated. Smaller and darker than antpittas, which are similar in body structure. Forages singly or in pairs. Listen for the male’s song, a series of raspy rising “bree?” notes, typically given early in the morning or at dusk.
Identification
The slaty gnateater is 12.5 to 14 cm (4.9 to 5.5 in) long, and 57 specimens had a mean weight of 26.3 g (0.93 oz). The plumage is variable, but the typical male's head is mostly dark gray that continues through most of the underparts. The crown and upper parts are brown and the flanks and lower belly are brownish gray. It has a white tuft behind the eye. Birds in the Cochabamba Department of Bolivia are much darker. The female has more brown on the face, the white tuft is much smaller, and there is a white patch on the belly. The upper parts can be dark brown, olive brown, or rufous brown.
Taxonomy
The position of the slaty gnateater in linear format is unsettled. The International Ornithological Committee (IOC) and the Clements taxonomy place it differently within the gnateater family. There are several color variants, and "Further research and, probably, taxonomic revision [are] required." The slaty gnateater has two subspecies, the nominate Conopophaga ardesiaca ardesiaca (D'Orbigny & Lafresnaye, 1837) and C. a. saturata (von Berlepsch & Stolzmann, 1906).
- Scientific name
- Conopophaga ardesiaca
- Authority
- d'Orbigny & Lafresnaye, 1837
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Conopophagidae
- Genus
- Conopophaga
Range and habitat
The slaty gnateater inhabits the narrow band of the Yungas on the eastern slope of the Andes. C. a. saturata is found in Peru from southeastern Cusco Province south towards Bolivia. C. a. ardesiaca is found from the Department of Puno in southeastern Peru to Bolivia's Tarija Department. The species inhabits dense growth in rainforest, typically around treefalls, road edges, and similar openings. In elevation it typically ranges from 800 to 1,800 m (2,600 to 5,900 ft) but is found locally to 2,450 m (8,040 ft) in Peru.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Black-throated Coucal
Centropus leucogaster
A large forest coucal with a black throat and chest and a white belly. Western populations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and extreme western Uganda are sometimes separated as Neumann’s Coucal based on their smaller size, but look very similar to eastern Black-throated Coucal populations. The similar Gabon Coucal, which has a rufous belly, replaces Black-throated in Central African forests. Black-throated typically gives a deep, bubbling, booming call series of up to 20 notes that fall and then rise in pitch. This call can be heard day or night.
Chilean Swallow
Tachycineta leucopyga
Common and familiar swallow of southern South America; found widely from the coast to Andean foothills and from open forests to beaches. Often near water and regularly around towns and villages, associating readily with slightly smaller Blue-and-white Swallow. Identified easily in most of range by clean white underparts and big white rump patch; also note that the tail is less deeply forked than Blue-and-White Swallow. Juvenile is duller above and with a variable dusky breast band.
House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
Widespread and abundant in cities, neighborhoods and farms. Avoids dense woods. Flocks cluster in dense bushes, bustling around and chattering to one another. Males have smart black bibs, bright rufous napes, and stunningly patterned wings with brilliant buffs and browns. Underparts are pale pearly-gray. Females are plain brown with cute face and lighter eyebrow. Native to Eurasia; introduced to much of the rest of the world.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.