From Opus

Alternative names: Black-capped Mockingthrush; Black-capped Mockingwren

Photo by John Keep

Donacobius atricapilla

[edit] Identification

21-22cm

• Shiny black head and shoulders
• Brown back
• Olive brown rump
• Black tail with white tips
• Blackish wings with white flash
• Yellow underparts, black bars on its side
• Bright yellow eyes
• Dusky green legs
• Yellow distendable cheek pouch

[edit] Distribution

The Black-capped Donacobius ranges from E Panama to Colombia and the Guianas to n Bolivia, Paraguay and ne Argentina.

[edit] Taxonomy

There are 4 subspecies:

• D. a. atricapilla
• D. a. brachypterus
• D. a. nigrodorsalis
• D. a. albovittatus

[edit] Habitat

Grass or marsh surrounding pools, lakes and rivers in lowlands.

[edit] Behaviour

The nest is an open cup always with a close relationship to water (near or over). Eggs are a purplish white with reddish or purplish spots and blotches. The female incubates the eggs for 16-18 days. Both sexes, with the assistance of young from a previous, year feed the chicks.

[edit] References

animals.jrank.org

[edit] External Links