(separating Tropical/Chalk-browed + minor note on habitat/distribution) |
(a bit more on the wing-opening display.) |
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==Behaviour== | ==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. | + | 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. |
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
*[http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/search.php?keywords=Mimus+saturninus&cat=all= View more images of Chalk-browed Mockingbird in the gallery] | *[http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/search.php?keywords=Mimus+saturninus&cat=all= View more images of Chalk-browed Mockingbird in the gallery] | ||
[[Category:Birds]] | [[Category:Birds]] | ||
Revision as of 01:41, 28 April 2007
- Mimus saturninus
The Chalk-browed Mockingbird, as well as many other Mockingbirds, is famous for its huge repertoire of songs and calls, including many imitations of other birds, hence the name Mockingbird. It is widespread and often common in open or semi-open habitats of eastern and south-central South America.
Identification
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. The Chalk-browed Mockingbird can easily be mistaken with its conger, 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 gray) plumage and its stronger post-ocular spot/streak (reduced in the Tropical).
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.
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.
