Pale-eyed Thrush
Turdus leucops
This scarce thrush is found in forests of the subtropical zone from Venezuela to Bolivia, usually at elevations from 1,000–2,000 m. Males are dark black with a staring pale eye and orange bill and legs. Females are rich dark brown with a dark bill, no eyering, and some pale mottling on the belly. To separate from other similar thrushes, especially note the lack of an eyering on both sexes. Not frequently encountered. Males perch at the top of a tree when singing; listen for the squeaky and complex thrushlike song. Otherwise most likely to be seen at a fruiting tree within the forest.
Taxonomy
Its genus is controversial. Some taxonomists place this species in the genus Platycichla based on morphology. The South American Classification Committee of the American Ornithologists' Union places it in the genus Turdus, as does the International Ornithological Committee.
- Scientific name
- Turdus leucops
- Authority
- Taczanowski, 1877
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Turdidae
- Genus
- Turdus
Range and habitat
It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Madeira Firecrest
Regulus madeirensis
Tiny Madeira endemic, essentially identical to Common Firecrest. Smaller than a warbler, with a distinctive combination of boldly striped head, white wingbars, and bronzy-golden patch on each side of the neck. Male has a fiery orange crown stripe, while the female has a yellow one. Juvenile lacks the adults’ striking head pattern and has a faint dark eyeline and wingbars. Resides in laurel and tree-heath forests, as well as mixed forest. Inconspicuous but active, often high in the canopy, giving high-pitched lisping vocalizations.
Caribbean Dove
Leptotila jamaicensis
Retiring dove of forest floor, heard much more frequently than seen. Like other members of the genus, can be found walking quietly on shady roadsides and trails, especially early and late in the day. Not easily told by sight from White-tipped Dove, which occurs alongside Caribbean in Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Best feature is white face and pale bluish nape of Caribbean Dove. Also compare Gray-headed Dove. In flight, all species show white tail corners and rusty on underwings.
Little Green Sunbird
Anthreptes seimundi
Tiny, drab warbler-like sunbird. The bill is slightly curved and partially pink. Also note the pale eye-ring. Found in the canopy and mid-story of humid forest at low and middle elevations, usually in pairs or small groups. The most common call is a simple, high-pitched “tseeet”. Very similar to Bates’s Sunbird, but has a less curved bill and a more distinct eye-ring. Distinguished from females of other species of sunbirds by the pink on the bill and the green rather than blackish tail.
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