From Opus

Megarynchus pitangua

Photo by Steve G
Location: the Asa Wright Centre Trinidad.

[edit] Identification

Superficially very similar to the Great Kiskadee in size & colouration but with a totally different call. This species has less rufous on the wings and tail as well as a less prominent crownstripe. None of these characteristics stand out in the field, and the best diagnostic feature is the large wide bulky bill with a prominent convex culmen.

[edit] Distribution

Mexico through Central America and South America to Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia.

[edit] Taxonomy

Six subspecies are recognized¹: pitangua, tardiusculus, canisceps, mexicanus, deserticola, and chrysogaster. The genus is frequently misspelled as Megarhynchus².

[edit] Habitat

Variable from mostly open areas to forest edge.

[edit] Behaviour

Boat-bills hunt large insects -- especially Cicadas

[edit] Vocalisation

Boat-billed Flycatcher with Channel-billed Toucans

[edit] References

1. Clements, James F. 2007. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to October 2007. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. ISBN 9780801445019
2. SACC baseline

[edit] External Links