Tsingy Forest Rail
Mentocrex beankaensis
Chunky rail-like bird with rich rufous coloration. Found on the floor of dry forest in and adjacent to the limestone karst “tsingy” of Bemaraha and Beanka. Usually in pairs or small groups. Very shy, and looks almost like a mammal when scurrying away from disturbance. Most common call is a long, ringing series of “tyeow” notes. Also gives deep grunts. Within its small range, only likely to be confused with White-throated Rail, but smaller, with a shorter bill and a much smaller white throat patch.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Mentocrex beankaensis
- Authority
- Goodman, Raherilalao & Block, 2011
- Order
- Gruiformes
- Family
- Sarothruridae
- Genus
- Mentocrex
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
White-fronted Swift
Cypseloides storeri
Poorly known and rarely seen medium-sized swift. Very local in west Mexico and very rarely identified in the field. Like many swifts, nests behind waterfalls. Rather stocky and large-headed, with a squared tail tip. About the same size as much commoner Chestnut-collared Swift, with which White-fronted can associate. Plumage looks wholly black unless seen close in good light, when white forehead can show up. Beware, slightly larger Black Swift has similar white forehead.
Crimson-collared Tanager
Ramphocelus sanguinolentus
Beautiful tanager of humid tropical lowlands. Favors evergreen forest edge and verdant second growth. Forages unobtrusively at all levels in trees and bushes, usually in pairs. Sexes alike: velvety black overall with a bright bluish-white bill and a glossy crimson collar and rump.
Yellow-margined Flatbill
Tolmomyias assimilis
Small flycatcher most often seen high in rainforest canopy, often with mixed species flocks. Its bill is very wide at the base and wing feathers are conspicuously edged with yellow. Confusingly similar to several other species. Dark eye helps to separate it from Gray-crowned Flycatcher, and usually shows brighter wings with less well defined wingbars than Yellow-olive Flycatcher. Whitish (not yellow) throat distinguishes it from Olive-faced Flycatcher and Ochre-lored Flycatcher. Voice is often the best clue. Yellow-margined Flycatcher gives a rising series of clear or buzzy whistles. Song has a very nasal quality in some parts of its range. Birds found west and north of the Andes are now considered a separate species, Yellow-winged Flycatcher.
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