Russet-winged Schiffornis Schiffornis stenorhyncha Scientific name definitions

Russet-winged 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), Olivaceous Schiffornis (S. olivacea), Foothill Schiffornis (S. aenea), and Brown-winged Schiffornis (S. turdina). Russet-winged Schiffornis is a representative of this group that occurs from central Panama east across northern Colombia to western and northern Venezuela. 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, Russet-winged Schiffornis probably is one of the least studied members of the complex. This is a relatively low density species that occupies the understory of terra firme 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 rapid series of three whistles; the first is longer and ends with an sharp upward inflection, and the two terminal notes both are short and upslurred. Russet-winged Schiffornis presumably consumes both fruit and arthropods, as do the related species. The nest of Russet-winged Schiffornis has not been described, but presumably is a bulky cup, placed 0.5-2 m above the ground, as in Northern Schiffornis.

15·5–16·5 cm; 30–34 g (nominate). A typical member of the <em>S. turdina</em> species complex ; differences from other members of it are described under Taxonomy (above). Sexes alike. Juvenile largely rather dull reddish brown on upper- and underparts, even brighter on crown, and greyer on throat and ventral region. Races vary as follows: nominate is darker and more rufous-brown above , especially on wings, with yellowish-tinged brown throat and chest, and somewhat contrasting greyish-olive lower underparts, whereas panamensis is paler, with brighter brown crown, wings and tail, cinnamon-rufous throat contrasting with greyish-olive breast and belly.

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Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

Humid forest, or adjacent tall second growth; almost always in interior, rarely near edge. Lowlands to c. 1800 m in N Venezuela, with a record to 1550 m in C Andes of Colombia.

Presumably sedentary, although in an area of deciduous forest in N Venezuela the species was only recorded during the dry season.

Diet fruit and insects; stomach contents of birds collected in Panama included caterpillars, cicadas and small berries. Forages alone, rarely joins mixed-species flocks. Works through forest undergrowth, often clings 1–2 m up on side of vertical stems while peering around; snatches insects from foliage using short aerial sallies.

Song  , usually given at long intervals, a sequence of normally 2–4 clear, rich musical whistles, the second and third ones being sharply upslurred, e.g. in SE Panama (panamensis) “teeuu, wheet-wheet, wheet”. Distinction from other members of the S. turdina complex covered under Taxonomy (above).

Birds in breeding condition in N Colombia in Jan–Jun, and one nest found in the foothills of the Magdalena Valley, C Colombia; cup-shaped (internal length and width: 22·9 mm and 18·1 mm, thickness of nest wall: 30 mm, cup depth: 56·6 mm, external length, width and height: 139·4 mm, 144·2 mm, 115·7 mm). Clutch two pale cream eggs with dark purple spots, mean size 18·3 mm × 23·2 mm, mass 4·49 g; incubation by female alone lasts 21 days, and nestling period occupies 20 days, with a mean 4·72 visits per day to the nest during incubation and 1·25 trips per hour during the nestling stage (1 Sandoval-H., J., Chinome, G.A. and Londoño, G.A. (2017). Nesting biology of Schiffornis stenorhyncha (Tityridae). Wilson J. Orn.. 129(4): 827–833. Close ). No further information.

Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Unobtrusive and heard far more often than seen. Overall range estimated at 870,000 km². Fairly common to common in E Panama, Colombia and N Venezuela, but has apparently declined in latter country. In Bocas del Toro, Panama, density of race panamensis estimated at c. 4 pairs/100 ha. Known from a number of protected areas, including Henri Pittier National Park, Venezuela.