Boyaca Antpitta

Grallaria alticola

Medium-sized antpitta found in elfin forest and páramo near or above treeline in the Andes in north-central Colombia. Typical antpitta shape: plump with short tail and long legs. Dull brownish plumage, darker olive above and richer buffy below. Sexes similar. Fairly common and much more conspicuous than most other antpittas; frequently seen bounding around in the open, though typically close to shrubby cover. Sometimes sings from a fairly prominent perch; listen for series of four to six clipped, piping whistles: usually two higher, longer notes followed by a slightly quicker series of shorter rising notes.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Grallaria alticola
Authority
Todd, 1919
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Grallariidae
Genus
Grallaria

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
stable

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

South Melanesian Cuckooshrike

South Melanesian Cuckooshrike

Coracina caledonica

A large cuckooshrike with uniformly matte slaty-black plumage and a very striking pale eye. Long-tailed, with a relatively stubby bill. Resident in forests, usually in foothills and lowlands, especially coastal forest. Unlikely to be confused. Most common call is an ascending whistle, often followed by a shrill “kwa-kwawa-kwawa.”

Trinidad Motmot

Trinidad Motmot

Momotus bahamensis

Fantastic bird with a long, racket-tipped tail found only in Trinidad and Tobago, where it is the only motmot. No other bird in the country shares its beautiful orange, green, and blue color pattern, and the black mask, breast spot, ruby eye, and large size make it truly unforgettable. Inhabits rainforest where it stays fairly low and usually well hidden, but occasionally may venture out into more open areas if there are large trees to perch in. Often gives a low-pitched “boo” or “boo-dip”, and sometimes a longer series when excited.

Somali Ostrich

Somali Ostrich

Struthio molybdophanes

A long-legged and long-necked flightless bird. Males have a blue-gray neck and legs, but the bill and front of the legs become pink when breeding. Females have dull pinkish-colored legs and neck. Found in a variety of dry habitats, including grassland, thornscrub, and semi-desert. Often in small groups. Very similar to Common Ostrich, but males separated by their blue legs and neck and the lack of a white ring at the base of the neck. Females are separated by their pale eyes. The voice is a deep, lion-like booming.

Start Your Bird Watching Journey

Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.