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;[[:Category:Schistocichla|Schistocichla]] caurensis | ;[[:Category:Schistocichla|Schistocichla]] caurensis | ||
| − | [[Image:Caura_Antbird.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by | + | [[Image:Caura_Antbird.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by Aracari in Serra do Aracá, AM - [[Brazil]].]] |
==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
The species may be similar in appearance to ''S. leucostigma'' (Spot-Winged Antbird) and ''S. saturata'' (Roraiman Antbird), a recent split. Main differences as far as field identification go are the size, ''S. caurensis'' being larger at around 19cm while ''S. leucostigma'' is 15cm. In the field a Caura Antbird may remind a small trush from a distance. | The species may be similar in appearance to ''S. leucostigma'' (Spot-Winged Antbird) and ''S. saturata'' (Roraiman Antbird), a recent split. Main differences as far as field identification go are the size, ''S. caurensis'' being larger at around 19cm while ''S. leucostigma'' is 15cm. In the field a Caura Antbird may remind a small trush from a distance. | ||
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==Bird Song== | ==Bird Song== | ||
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| + | ==References== | ||
| + | Identification of Caura Antbird discussed in this [http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=79411 thread]. | ||
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
{{GSearch|Schistocichla+caurensis}} | {{GSearch|Schistocichla+caurensis}} | ||
[[Category:Birds]][[Category:Schistocichla]] [[Category:Incomplete]] | [[Category:Birds]][[Category:Schistocichla]] [[Category:Incomplete]] | ||
Revision as of 13:55, 11 September 2008
- Schistocichla caurensis
Identification
The species may be similar in appearance to S. leucostigma (Spot-Winged Antbird) and S. saturata (Roraiman Antbird), a recent split. Main differences as far as field identification go are the size, S. caurensis being larger at around 19cm while S. leucostigma is 15cm. In the field a Caura Antbird may remind a small trush from a distance.
The bill of S. caurensis is also more massive, the tail being a bit longer too.
The one seen here is a female of the subspecies S. caurensis australis, found in the southern end of its range.
Distribution
The range of the Caura Antbird extends through the Guianan Plateau in Southern Venezuela (south of the Orinoco River, Bolivar and Amazonas) and extreme north Brazil, in the state of Amazonas. The bird is endemic to the mountains and tepuis (see "habitat") within this area.
It may also possibly occur on the NW end of Roraima State in Brazil, although there are no confirmed reports for that area.
Taxonomy
Habitat
The Caura Antbird typical habitat are mountainous open rainforest slopes with large boulders, often in steep terrain, at altitudes between 250 and 700m. They may also be seen at the borders of the forest, specially alongside mountain streams. The species seems to be very intolerant of other habitats, apparently never been recorded in areas of lowland rainforest, for instance. The large boulders seems to be a critical component of the habitat of this specialized bird.
Due to these habitat requirements, the species is usually located at the slopes of the tepuis (table-top mountains) of the Guianan Plateau.
Behaviour
They are highly associated with large boulders, often foraging on these boulders or on the ground nearby, exploring its crevices filled with leaf litter and other organic debris after varied arthropods. They will also probe in the moss and ferns that may cover these rocks. They also glean their prey with very quick motions from vines and roots over the rocks.
The Caura Antbird may also squeeze themselves into small spaces between the rock and overlying dense tangle of roots, remaining under the protection of these "roofs" for up to a minute. They also vigorously toss dead leaves in the manner of a leaftosser (Sclerurus sp.). (Zimmer, 1999). Apparently it does not attend mixed species flocks of ant swarms, often foraging in pairs.
Bird Song
References
Identification of Caura Antbird discussed in this thread.
