Blue Finch

Rhopospina caerulescens

Slim finch with a long bill. Males are unmistakable, with indigo-blue plumage and yellow bill. Females are buff brown above and heavily streaked below; bill yellowish, with dusky upper edge. Usually encountered in rocky savanna habitats.

Identification

The blue finch or yellow-billed blue finch (Rhopospina caerulescens) is a Near Threatened species of bird in the family Thraupidae, the tanagers and allies. It is found in Bolivia and Brazil.

Taxonomy

Genus: Rhopospina; Family: Thraupidae; Order: Passeriformes.

Scientific name
Rhopospina caerulescens
Authority
(Wied-Neuwied, M, 1830)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Thraupidae
Genus
Rhopospina

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Behavior

Migration pattern: Resident species.

Conservation

Population trend: declining.

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Mountain Gray Woodpecker

Mountain Gray Woodpecker

Dendropicos spodocephalus

A mid-sized woodpecker with a golden-green back and gray underparts. The crown is red in males and plain gray in females. Usually shows a large red patch on the center of the belly. Found at middle elevations in woodland, savanna, and cultivated areas. The range overlaps slightly with the very similar African Gray Woodpecker; Mountain Gray is distinguished by the lack of barring on the wing and undertail and by the large, deep red belly patch. The main vocalization is an agitated series of rising “k-k-kree” calls. 

Thick-billed Vireo

Thick-billed Vireo

Vireo crassirostris

A small loquacious inhabitant of scrubland, thickets, and brushy forest edges where it typically feeds within dense cover. The similar White-eyed Vireo can be distinguished by its smaller bill, greener back, and bright yellow sides; furthermore, adults have white, not dusky, eyes. The Cuban Vireo lacks the Thick-billed Vireo’s bold wingbars. The song is a scratchy jumbled “chick, didderwid-weee-zhee, chip” or variations thereof. Calls include a “zhip” given singly or in short bursts, a drawn-out harsh “zzhhe,” and a variety of chattering sounds.

Mute Swan

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

Huge white bird with long neck, reddish-orange bill, and black face. Adults have a black knob on top of the bill. Immatures are dusky brown with a gray bill. Native to northern Europe and Asia, but introduced in many regions, where it is now common on ponds, lakes, and calm coastal waters. Very aggressive toward native waterfowl. Often seen in pairs or small family groups.

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