Dark-faced Ground-Tyrant
Muscisaxicola maclovianus
Small and rather distinctive terrestrial flycatcher, breeding in the southern Andes at high elevation and migrating north in winter where it can also be found in lowlands. Breeds in open rocky areas, sometimes down to level of open forest. Migrants often in flocks, sometimes a few hundred birds, as on playing fields and beaches. Upperparts relatively dark gray with blackish face mask, and an inconspicuous dark rusty nape patch. Resident Falkland population larger and plainer overall, likely a different species; found on moorland and beaches.
Identification
It is 16 cm long with the male being slightly larger than the female. Like other ground tyrants, it has long legs and an upright posture. The plumage is mainly dark grey-brown above and pale greyish below with a dark brown crown and a blackish face. The rump and tail are black with white outer tail-feathers. The legs and bill are black. Birds on the Falkland Islands (M. m. maclovianus) are larger and greyer than those in mainland South America (M. m. mentalis).<p>The song is a weak twittering which may be uttered on the ground or in flight.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Muscisaxicola maclovianus
- Authority
- (Garnot, 1826)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Tyrannidae
- Genus
- Muscisaxicola
Range and habitat
The species breeds in southern parts of Chile and Argentina and on the Falkland Islands. It inhabits open areas from sea-level up to 1500 m in the Andes. In the austral winter some birds migrate north as far as Uruguay, northern Argentina and Peru. At this season it moves down to lowland areas and may visit farmland, gardens and beaches.
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Lesser Jacana
Microparra capensis
Very small and generally uncommon jacana. Adults show rufous on the crown, breast sides, rump, and tail. Juveniles are duller. Most distinctive in flight, when the white trailing edge to the wing is revealed. Found in thickly vegetated wetlands, especially those with waterlilies. Seems to move around in response to changing water levels. Call is a quick, hooting series. Often confused with immature African Jacana, but smaller and with a shorter bill that never shows any blue. Easily separated in flight by the white stripe at the back of the wing and the pale patches on top of the wing.
Javan Fulvetta
Alcippe pyrrhoptera
Unremarkable-looking warm brown songbird. Endemic to Java’s montane and submontane broadleaf forests, where it is a common member of mixed flocks. Note warm rusty-toned wings and tail, long-tailed and round-headed profile, and slender dark line above the eye (sometimes inconspicuous). Song is a sad-sounding series of whistles. Calls include a fast rattling call, as well as a high-pitched, tinkling “ji’jink.”
Silver-eared Laughingthrush
Trochalopteron melanostigma
Attractive medium-sized laughingthrush with a gray body, golden-yellow wings, dark face, and chestnut crown. Also note dark orangish “bib”, the color of which varies by range; northern birds have the brightest patches. Namesake silver ear patches are rather rounded and blend smoothly into the gray of the neck. Scratches around noisily in dense undergrowth, often singly, or in pairs or small flocks; may come out into the open in areas where routinely fed and habituated to people. Found in montane and hill forests, as well as forest edges with dense low growth. Gives a mellow “wowee-wowEER!”
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