Meyer's Friarbird

A medium-sized woodland species that prefers moist forests where it typically “flycatches” from perches in thick foliage beneath the canopy. Note its bright rusty tail and the extensive rust on its wings. The Sad Flycatcher is much smaller-bodied and smaller-billed and lacks the rusty tail and wings. The similar Stolid Flycatcher is also smaller-billed and smaller-bodied with more limited rust on tail and wings. Rufous-tailed Flycatcher has a darker gray head and chest than either Sad or Stolid Flycatchers. Vocalizations include a slightly squeaky, emphatic “or-will,” a whistled “pi-pi-pi-pi-pee-pee-pee-pee,” and a harsh squeaky “pew” given in series, plus brief emphatic twitters.

Large, tan manakin. Longer-tailed with a more upright posture than other smaller manakins. Forages singly or in pairs in the low midstory of dense, viny secondary forest, especially along rivers; in areas with bamboos, largely restricted to bamboo patches. Call is distinctive nasal laughing.

Male is unmistakable. Body dark rufous, head and breast gleaming white, with three bare wattles hanging down off the bill. Usually perches conspicuously when singing; the far-carrying bell-like notes and strange metallic alien noises are fascinating additions to the forest cacophony. Female is completely different, overall dull olive with yellower streaking on underparts. The fairly large size, plump shape, small rounded head, and plain face help with identification. Found in forests, usually in the canopy. Easiest to find when singing, but also feeds at fruiting trees.