Russet-backed Oropendola
Psarocolius angustifrons
A medium-sized oropendola; fairly common in lowlands but seems to be scarce in montane forest. Can occur up to around 2,500m in the Andes, where it is usually the only oropendola and unlikely to be confused. Generally olive overall with warmer rufous tones on back and rump. Variable bill color: dark blackish in the Amazonian lowlands; usually yellowish in Andes. Yellow outer tail feathers like other oropendolas. Typically in flocks that forage in the canopy, sometimes in mixed flocks with other oropendolas or caciques.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Psarocolius angustifrons
- Authority
- (Spix, 1824)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Icteridae
- Genus
- Psarocolius
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Golden-crowned Tanager
Iridosornis rufivertex
Distinctive tanager found in the temperate zone of the Andes from western Venezuela to northwest Peru. Mostly dark cobalt blue with black head and bright yellow cap. Also note rufous undertail coverts in most of range. Uncommon. Singles or pairs move slowly in the understory of montane forest and scrubby edge up to treeline. Sometimes but not always follows a mixed-species flock. Can be inconspicuous.
Bare-faced Ground Dove
Metriopelia ceciliae
Attractive but easily overlooked small dove of the Andes. Fairly common on rocky and scrubby slopes around towns and villages in agricultural areas. Usually in pairs or flocks, sometimes mixed with other seed-eating birds. Feeds on ground, but perches on walls and prominent rocks; often not seen until flushed from close range, when flies up with a loud rattling wing whistle. Pale-dappled wing coverts and big orange eyering are diagnostic.
Cinnamon-bellied Ground-Tyrant
Muscisaxicola capistratus
Attractive but generally uncommon and rather local terrestrial flycatcher, breeding in Patagonia and migrating north for the winter. Breeds in open grassland, coastal dunes, and gravel steppes, usually with bluffs or rocky outcrops nearby for nesting; winters in open Andean habitats and bogs. Note distinctive head pattern and strong cinnamon wash to flanks and belly. Compare with much larger Chocolate-vented Tyrant.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.