Plumage convergence of American Dipper and Torrent tyrannulet (1 Viewer)

[Oregonian]

There is an interesting convergence in the plumage of American Dipper (Cinlclus mexicanus) and Torrent Tyrannulet (Serpophaga cinerea) where they coexist in eastern Central America. American dippers have a uniform gray plumage in most of their range in North America. But the form in Costa Rica and Panama, C. m. ardesiacus, has dark wings contrasting with pale back and breast, as does the Torrent Tyrannulet. The photos attached here are from Reserva Forestal de Fortuna, Hornito, Panama, taken on the 12th and 13th of February.

 

[Andy Adcock]

There is an interesting convergence in the plumage of American Dipper (Cinlclus mexicanus) and Torrent Tyrannulet (Serpophaga cinerea) where they coexist in eastern Central America. American dippers have a uniform gray plumage in most of their range in North America. But the form in Costa Rica and Panama, C. m. ardesiacus, has dark wings contrasting with pale back and breast, as does the Torrent Tyrannulet. The photos attached here are from Reserva Forestal de Fortuna, Hornito, Panama, taken on the 12th and 13th of February.

There's no mention of this in the field guide but the bird is far less brown than in N America.

The Tyrannulet is far more black and white when you see them well, attached is ours from Costa Rica. Sadly, the other bird lived up to it's name and we didn't see it.

 

[Oregonian]

Here's another photo that shows the dark wings of the dipper.