Brown-chested Martin
Progne tapera
Large swallow with distinctive brown band across chest. Chest band is typically sharply demarcated, but can look diffuse with some spotting down the center of the belly. Otherwise brown above and pale below. Similar in plumage to Bank Swallow but larger and lankier. Found in the lowlands, usually in open areas near water, either singly or in loose flocks.
Identification
The brown-chested martin (Progne tapera) is a species of passerine bird in the family Hirundinidae, the swallows and martins. It is found regularly in Panama and every mainland South American country except Chile. It has been documented as a vagrant in Aruba and Chile and there are unconfirmed reports from the Falkland Islands. It is a casual visitor to Costa Rica and has been recorded in Florida, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.
Taxonomy
Genus: Progne; Family: Hirundinidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Progne tapera
- Authority
- (Linnaeus, 1766)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Hirundinidae
- Genus
- Progne
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Behavior
Migration pattern: Complete migrants.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Marsh Tit
Poecile palustris
Plain tit with a grayish-brown body and contrasting black-and-white head pattern. Very similar to Willow Tit and difficult to separate, but note the general lack of a prominent wing panel, smaller-headed appearance, and smaller, neater bib. These criteria, however, are generally more reliable in western European range than in Asian range. Inhabits deciduous woodland, older orchards, and gardens; sometimes visits bird feeders. Voice is diagnostic in western Europe, but much less so in Asia; song is a repetitive series of “chew” notes (essentially a slow trill) and calls include a bright “pitchu, pitchu” and “tsiptsip.” Favors deciduous wooded habitat.
Lineated Woodpecker
Dryocopus lineatus
Large ‘woody woodpecker’ of tropical forest in lowlands and foothills. Also ranges into semi-open areas with tall trees, mangroves, and other lightly wooded habitats. The tufted red crest and black face distinguish it from adult Pale-billed Woodpecker, which often occurs in the same areas. Also note that the white ‘braces’ on the back of Lineated are widely spaced, unlike Pale-billed. Laughing call suggests a flicker, and very unlike calls of Pale-billed.
Eurasian Pygmy-Owl
Glaucidium passerinum
Tiny, almost sparrow-sized, owl of coniferous and mixed forests. Note staring golden eyes, white eyebrows, and fine pale spotting on the crown. Most active around dusk and dawn, but can be seen hunting in the daytime as well. Sometimes perches atop conifers, but more often rather inconspicuous; can be quite bold when encountered. Song is a varied series of whistled toots, usually given around dawn and dusk and easily imitated.
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