Dark-necked Tailorbird
Orthotomus atrogularis
A brightly-colored tailorbird of lowland tropical forests, forest edges, and gardens. Long-billed with olive upperparts, pale underparts, and a rufous crown. Dark neck patch is only present in males and is unique if seen well but is sometimes concealed and difficult to see. Can be a shy species, staying deep within tangled vegetation; listen for its song, often given in duets, a series of trilled phrases. Also gives a high-pitched nasal “daydayday.” Common Tailorbird is similar but has a less extensive rufous crown and lacks yellow vent and black neck patch.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Orthotomus atrogularis
- Authority
- Temminck, 1836
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Cisticolidae
- Genus
- Orthotomus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Spot-flanked Gallinule
Porphyriops melanops
Small marsh bird with a disjunct range in South America, from central Colombia to eastern Brazil to central Chile. Note gray head and breast, warm brown upperparts, and brown flanks with white spots. Its greenish bill is distinctive. Singles or pairs can be seen swimming or walking in marshy habitat at the edge of lakes or ponds, sometimes remaining quite hidden. Unlikely to be confused, but compare with juvenile Common Gallinule, which has a dingy bill and a bold white stripe on the flanks.
Red-headed Bluebill
Spermophaga ruficapilla
Pretty member of the waxbill family that has a massive, conical bill. Males have a black belly and females a spotted one, and both sexes show an all-red head. Found in rainforest, gallery forest, thickets, and secondary habitats. Usually in pairs or small groups, in areas with thick undergrowth, and usually some grass. Sometimes on roads and paths. Vocalizations include a quiet “schpit” call and a rarely-heard whistled song. Similar to Grant’s Bluebill, but separated by all-red head. Male similar to male Black-bellied Seedcracker, but separated by its black tail and its red-and-blue rather than all-blue bill.
River Lapwing
Vanellus duvaucelii
The black, gray, and brown coloration of this medium-sized shorebird makes it unmistakable. Raises black crest when displaying. As the name suggests, this species is primarily tied to rivers, where it is often seen foraging in pairs on riverbanks or exposed islands. Calls shrilly and loudly, both during display and when alarmed.
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