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
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Plain, pale brownish bulbul. Endemic to very specialized habitat in South India. Only found in hills with dry rocky scrub and boulders, co-occurring locally with the more widespread White-browed Bulbul throughout its range. Although both species have a yellow vent and can sound similar, Yellow-throated can be distinguished by its yellow head that contrasts with its whitish underparts. Usually occurring in pairs, it tends to rove along regular circuits, often perching on exposed rocks and boulders. Voice like White-browed’s, but more melodious and higher in pitch.
Noisy Friarbird
Philemon corniculatus
Large gray-brown honeyeater with a completely bare black head and a distinctive "horn" on the bill. Upperparts are gray and underparts are dull white. Completely bare head is unique among the friarbirds. Typically very loud; emits a variety of harsh, loud squawks. Inhabits a wide range of habitats in eastern Australia, including (especially) open forests and gardens and parks, where it is common.
Tasmanian Thornbill
Acanthiza ewingii
Small bird with thin pointed bill. Upperparts brown, underparts grayish brown, with dark red eye, reddish-brown forehead, and pale gray throat with indistinct streaking. Similar Brown Thornbill has shorter tail, grayer flanks, and a pale instead of rufous-brown wing panel. Endemic to Tasmania, where found in wet forests with well-developed shrub layer.
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