Peruvian Meadowlark
Leistes bellicosus
Fairly common in agricultural fields, grassland, even sparse desert scrub in places. Feeds mainly on the ground, at times in small groups, but male sings from prominent perches and in flight. Handsome male is unmistakable, with a bright red breast, white eyebrow, and sharply pointed bill (no similar species occur in the same range). Female and immature can be puzzling, with little or no red, but note chunky overall shape with rather short tail, bill shape, and whitish eyebrow.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Leistes bellicosus
- Authority
- (de Filippi, 1847)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Icteridae
- Genus
- Leistes
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Providence Petrel
Pterodroma solandri
Heavyset, gray-brownish seabird of the open Pacific Ocean, with pale patches in the underwings at the primary feathers and indistinct pale feathering around the bill base. Upperparts sometimes show grayish, almost silvery grizzled appearance. High-arcing flight in high winds, as in other gadfly petrel species. Similar to dark-morph Kermadec Petrel, which shows white shafts in primary feathers in the upperwings, lacking in Providence.
Red-breasted Goose
Branta ruficollis
Small and stocky rare goose with a small bill. From a distance, appears dark and dull, and often blends into flocks of other geese. When seen well, note the rich rusty breast and striking rusty and black-and-white head pattern. Mantle is dark and finely barred. White flank stripe is prominent on land and in flight. Also note the all dark underwings in flight. Breeds on the high arctic tundra, on islands, and coastal habitats. Winters mainly by the Black Sea.
Southern Lapwing
Vanellus chilensis
Raucous, conspicuous shorebird. Distinctive color pattern with black breast, white belly, gray head, and bronzy shoulder. Wings boldly patterned in flight. Often in pairs or small flocks in open habitats, usually near water but also in dry pastures. Loud grating call is a good clue to its presence.
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