White-fronted Redstart Myioborus albifrons Scientific name definitions

The White-fronted Redstart is a lovely warbler endemic to the Andes of western Venezuela.  The species lives in montane forest and edge habitats from 2200-3200 meters in elevation where it hunts insects by flushing them with elaborate wing and tail flaring.  It is dark gray above and yellow below with a rufous crown patch bordered in black, broad white spectacles and forehead, and black tail with white outer rectrices.  White-fronted Redstart is considered to be "near threatened" due to deforestation and accompanying habitat fragmentation within the species' small range.

13–13·5 cm. Has crown black with narrow rufous patch in centre (many of rufous feathers tipped black), side of head  grey, white forehead, supraloral stripe and prominent eyering (forming "spectacles"); upperparts grey, tail black, extensive white at side of tail; throat and underparts  yellow, white undertail-coverts; iris dark; bill and legs blackish. Sexes similar; one member in apparently mated pairs sometimes has slightly smaller and less conspicuous "spectacles", such individuals possibly female, but more study required. Juvenile has olive-grey head and upperparts, and pale grey-buff underparts, becoming yellower on belly and whitish on undertail-coverts.

Andes of W Venezuela (Trujillo, Mérida and Táchira).

Inhabits montane forest and forest edge, less commonly found in elfin forest near tree-line; at 2200–3200 m, occasionally up to 4000 m.

Sedentary.

Feeds on insects and probably also other arthropods. Forages mainly at high levels in canopy, by gleaning and flycatching. Frequently postures with drooping wings, flicking and spreading tail to reveal white sides, but not so persistently as do some congeners; this behaviour thought to flush insect prey, which it then pursues in air. Pairs or family parties may form nucleus of mixed-species foraging flocks.

Song  consists of a jumbled and prolonged twittering warble of high-pitched notes  , similar to that of M. ornatus but more varied and musical. Call is a sharp, high "tsip".

Recently fledged young seen in Jun. No other information.

Not globally threatened. Currently considered Near-threatened. Restricted-range species: present in Cordillera de Mérida EBA. Fairly common to common within its limited range. No population estimates available. Some large areas of suitable habitat remain, but loss of habitat through logging and clearance for cattle ranching has been severe; E slope of Cordillera de Mérida extensively cleared for cattle, and logging extending to higher elevations in many areas. Other threats to surviving habitat include mining activities and road-building.