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- Xenotriccus mexicanus
Identification
5in. Pale yellow underparts, 2 white bars on wing coverts, long pointed crest. Sexes similar.
Distribution
Taxonomy
Monotypic.
The first known example of this species, which eventually was named as the type
specimen, was collected by Austin P. Smith on April 9, 1908, with the locality noted as
simply “Cuernavaca, Mexico.” It was originally identified as Myiochanes richardsonii
and was labeled as that form. For thirty additional years, this specimen remained
unrecognized until Zimmer discovered it in a tray of Empidonax traillii at the American
Museum of Natural History in New York. After much speculation and study, Zimmer
(Auk, 55, 1938:663-665) described this bird as a new genus and species.
Habitat
Woodlands and thorn thickets.
Behaviour
Diet includes insects caught low in bushes.
