Mangrove Fantail
Rhipidura phasiana
Small pale gray flycatcher, exclusively coastal and usually observed in or very close to mangroves. Pale gray head and back, white throat and chin, pale wingbars, and a very thin gray chest band. Holds tail up and frequently fans it as it forages. Compare Gray Fantail, which is larger, darker, and has a wider black chest band, and Northern Fantail, which has a pale-streaked gray chest without a dark narrow band and lacks the pale streak behind the eye.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Rhipidura phasiana
- Authority
- De Vis, 1885
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Rhipiduridae
- Genus
- Rhipidura
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Guianan Puffbird
Notharchus macrorhynchos
Chunky, large-billed bird of rainforest canopy; easily identified by black-and-white plumage, relatively large size, and staid demeanor. Most often seen perched high in bare branches, sometimes near arboreal termite nests, in which it digs its own nest cavities. May also forage at lower levels. Sits motionless for long periods, sallying to vegetation for large insects. Superficially resembles Pied Puffbird but is much larger with a solid black crown and more white on the forehead.
Jamaican Tody
Todus todus
A small, gemlike, woodland species usually found in pairs. Its rather large head, long bill, and short tail create a unique profile. Also note the shimmering green upperparts and red throat. No similar species occur within its range. It usually hunts from low-to-middle level perches, sitting nearly still before leaping upwards to snatch prey. Vocalizations include a scratchy “zheh,” given in series at a rate of about one per second and a brief rapid rattle.
Red-cowled Cardinal
Paroaria dominicana
A conspicuous inhabitant of woodland in the Brazilian caatinga, but it is also found in scrubby areas and urban parks where it forages on the ground in pairs or small groups. Note the red head and throat, mostly gray back, black wings, and black tail that is white below. Immatures have a duller orange head. The song is a series of fast melodic whistles.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.