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Difference between revisions of "Chalk-browed Mockingbird" - BirdForum Opus

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;[[:Category:Mimus|Mimus]] saturninus
 
;[[:Category:Mimus|Mimus]] saturninus
 
==Identification==
 
==Identification==
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[[Image:Chalk-browed_Mockingbird_Stanley.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Photo &copy; by {{user|Stanley+Jones|Stanley Jones}}<br /> El 44 Reserva Natural de Tiempo Libre north of Capilla del Monte, Córdoba Province, [[Argentina]], 4 October 2019]]
 
This mockingbird has pale overall colour, with brown wings and tail. A brown stripe crosses its eyes as well. The bird has a chalk (clearer) eyebrow and the white tip on the end of its tail is easily noticed when in flight. Colour variations can happen due to local soils.
 
This mockingbird has pale overall colour, with brown wings and tail. A brown stripe crosses its eyes as well. The bird has a chalk (clearer) eyebrow and the white tip on the end of its tail is easily noticed when in flight. Colour variations can happen due to local soils.
 
====Similar Species====
 
====Similar Species====

Revision as of 03:27, 30 November 2019

Photo © by Arthur Grosset
Barra do Quara, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, August 2004
Mimus saturninus

Identification

Photo © by Stanley Jones
El 44 Reserva Natural de Tiempo Libre north of Capilla del Monte, Córdoba Province, Argentina, 4 October 2019

This mockingbird has pale overall colour, with brown wings and tail. A brown stripe crosses its eyes as well. The bird has a chalk (clearer) eyebrow and the white tip on the end of its tail is easily noticed when in flight. Colour variations can happen due to local soils.

Similar Species

The Chalk-browed Mockingbird can easily be mistaken for its congener, the Tropical Mockingbird (Mimus gilvus). In the limited area of overlap (only in coastal Brazil), the Chalk-browed Mockingbird can be separated from the Tropical by its browner (less grey) plumage and its stronger post-ocular spot/streak (reduced in the Tropical).

Distribution

It is widespread and often common in eastern and south-central South America: found in north-east Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and northern Argentina.

Taxonomy

Subspecies

This is a polytypic species consisting of four subspecies[1]:

  • M. s. saturninus:
  • M. s. arenaceus:
  • North-eastern Brazil (Paraíba, Alagoas and Bahia)
  • M. s. frater:
  • Northern Bolivia to north-eastern and south-western Brazil (Mato Grosso)
  • M. s. modulator:

Habitat

Mainly found in open and semi-open areas.

Behaviour

This bird is commonly found in flocks of up to 13 individuals. While walking on the ground or perched in branches, it often opens and closes its wings partially and rapidly, while singing. This territorial display is often done by the entire group.

Breeding

It's nest is parasitised by Shiny Cowbird.

Diet

Its diet consist basically of fruits and invertebrates, especially insects. Since the seeds are not digested, this mockingbird may help in the dispersal of some plants, e.g. orange and avocado.

Vocalisation

It is famous for its huge repertoire of songs and calls, including many imitations of other birds.

References

  1. Clements, JF. 2011. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to August 2011. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/downloadable-clements-checklist
  2. BF Member observations

Recommended Citation

External Links


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