Tawny-chested Flycatcher
Aphanotriccus capitalis
Fairly small flycatcher with limited range on the Caribbean slope from Nicaragua to Costa Rica. Rather distinctive with combination of gray head, warm tawny breast, olive back, and tawny wingbars. Sexes similar. Found singly or in pairs in tall second growth or forest edge, especially in areas with dense understory. Occurs in the lowlands, up to around 1,000 m. Listen for a sputtering call followed by a burry whistle.
Identification
The tawny-chested flycatcher (Aphanotriccus capitalis) is a small Vulnerable species of passerine bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Costa Rica and previously was also found in Nicaragua.
Taxonomy
Genus: Aphanotriccus; Family: Tyrannidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Aphanotriccus capitalis
- Authority
- (Salvin, 1865)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Tyrannidae
- Genus
- Aphanotriccus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
White-throated Babbler
Argya gularis
Rich chestnut-brown babbler with a bright white throat and chest. Inhabits dry scrubby areas, often fairly close to human habitation. Like other babblers, fairly social, gathering in small bands; birds often give a fairly high-pitched rolling chatter as they forage together.
Lesser Hornero
Furnarius minor
The smallest hornero. Plumage rusty overall with a white eyebrow, a gray crown, and a white throat. Note the gray legs. Found in scrub on river islands and occasionally in human-modified habitats near major rivers. Forages walking on the ground, especially at the water’s edge. The song is a series of fast staccato “kee” notes, usually given in duet. Other horneros with overlapping distributions have longer and louder songs.
Spotted Sandgrouse
Pterocles senegallus
A medium-sized pallid and delicately-patterned sandgrouse. Pale and sandy overall. Note male’s silver-gray eyebrow and orange cheek and throat. Female has a paler version of the male’s pattern, as well as a speckled nape and chest. Lacks breast bands, unlike Pin-tailed and Black-bellied Sandgrouse. Very similar to Crowned Sandgrouse, but note the present species’ tail filaments and different facial pattern. Note the strong contrast in two-toned underwings when in flight. Flight call is a characteristic “Waka! Waka!” Favors sandy or stony desert plains where it breeds on the ground. Congregates to drink in waterholes in the morning, often flying back and forth over long distances in large flocks.
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