Foothill Schiffornis Schiffornis aenea Scientific name definitions

Foothill Schiffornis is one of five species that formerly were united under the name Thrush-like Schiffornis (Schiffornis turdina); the other members of this group are Northern Schiffornis (S. veraepacis), Russet-winged Schiffornis (S. stenorhyncha), Olivaceous Schiffornis (S. olivacea), Foothill Schiffornis (S. aenea), and Brown-winged Schiffornis (S. turdina). As suggested by the English name, Foothill Schiffornis is a representative of this group that occurs in the foothills of the Andes; on the basis of current knowledge, its range is restricted to the foothills of eastern Ecuador and northern Peru. There are populations of schiffornis that occur in the foothills south at least to southeastern Peru, however, and this also may prove to be more closely related to Foothill Schiffornis than they are to Brown-winged Schiffornis of the adjacent lowlands. All species in this group have similar, dull plumages, being primarily brown or olive brown, with paler underparts, and prominent large dark eyes. Although all members of the group also are poorly known, Foothill Schiffornis probably is the least studied members of the complex. This is a relatively low density species that occupies the understory of lower elevation montane forests, most often foraging within 1-2 m of the ground, and typically is solitary. The clear whistled song is heard far more often than the bird is seen. The song usually consists of a series of four whistles, the first two longer, and the final two very short; the first also is slightly downslurred, while the second note is upslurred. Foothill Schiffornis presumably consumes both fruit and arthropods, as do the related species. The nest of Foothill Schiffornis has not been described, but presumably is a bulky cup, placed 0.5-2 m above the ground, as in Northern Schiffornis.

15·5–17·3 cm; 28·5–31 g. A typical member of the <em>S. turdina</em> species complex ; most important differences from other members of it are described under Taxonomy (above). Sexes alike. Juvenile presumably very similar too. Adult typically very uniformly coloured, much like S. veraepacis acrolophites and S. v. rosenbergi, but has browner, less greenish, upperparts than last-named, as well as a more brownish breast, more greenish belly, and the outer wing warmer brown; compared to elevationally parapatric S. turdina amazonum, present species is perhaps overall brighter and more greenish, especially on belly, with a more bronzy back and slightly more golden-brown breast.

E slope of E Andes in Ecuador and adjacent N Peru; recently confirmed to occur in extreme S Colombia (1 Williams, R. (2016). Neotropical notebook. Neotropical Birding. 18: 45–52. Close ).

Occupies understorey of tall forest and mature second growth, in foothills to lower subtropics; in Ecuador recorded at 900–1700 m; the sole Colombian record is from 1200 m.

Diet comprises insects and fruit, but specific data are wholly lacking. Rarely joins mixed-species feeding flocks. Forages by sallying to air or foliage.

Primary vocalization  is a mournful “deuu…teé’wOOee, tew-tew” or “hew EeuEE TU-hew”, with the second note rising and then falling; the whole sounds decidedly faster and more rhythmic than S. veraepacis rosenbergi. See also Taxonomy (above).

Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Unobtrusive and heard far more often than seen. With an overall range of just 53,000 km² (the smallest of any species within the S. turdina complex), this species is almost endemic to Ecuador, but reaches just into N Peru and has recently (Feb 2016) been confirmed to also occur in extreme S Colombia, in Putumayo. Generally considered to be uncommon throughout its range, and is almost certainly declining due to ongoing deforestation and fragmentation in the foothills. Known from comparatively few conservation units within its limited range, including Sumaco Napo-Galeras National Park, in Ecuador.