Gray-throated Chat Granatellus sallaei Scientific name definitions

The Gray-throated Chat’s plumage recalls that of other members of the genus Granatellus, with males being largely dark grayish above and over the head and throat, with a distinctive white post-ocular supercilium, and largely reddish underparts, with prominent whitish feathering on the flanks. Females are substantially duller, but still distinctive if seen well. They too are mainly grayish above, but the supercilium is more buffy than whitish, and the underparts are the same color, becoming whiter over the central belly. Pair members are usually found in close proximity to one another, further reducing any potential confusion risk. The Gray-throated Chat inhabits dry lowland and more humid forests on the Caribbean slope of southern Mexico, including much of the Yucatan Peninsula, south to Belize and central Guatemala.

13 cm; 8·8–11 g. Male nominate race has grey head to throat and upper breast and upperparts (including wing); white supercilium behind eye, bordered above by narrow black line; tail blackish-grey, white outer webs of outer two feathers; lower breast, upper belly and undertail-coverts rose-red, flanks grey, lower belly white; iris dark; bill dark grey; legs greyish-flesh. Female has grey crown, nape and upperparts (duller than on male), blackish-grey tail, buff supercilium, face, breast, flanks, vent and undertail-coverts, and white throat and belly. Full juvenile plumage apparently undescribed; moulting juvenile male appears intermediate between male and female, and has browner, more worn wings than either. Race boucardi  male  is slightly paler grey above  than nominate, female  is more brownish-grey above and paler, more creamy buff, on face  and underparts.

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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.

Lowland dry and semi-humid forests, forest edge and adjacent dense scrub; avoids humid forest, but is much more of a forest-dweller than is G. venustus and occurs in thickets in evergreen forest.

Sedentary.

Feeds on insects and other arthropods. Forages mainly by gleaning low in undergrowth and on forest floor. Frequently follows swarms of army ants (Ecitoninae) to feed on insects disturbed by them.

Song  a variable series of 4–5 whistled notes , similar to that of G. venustus but less melancholy and faster; calls include loud, fairly harsh "chwit", also softer "chwit" as contact between mated partners.

Pair remains on territory throughout year. Nest cup-shaped, placed low in understorey; clutch 2 eggs (one nest with eggs found). No other information.

Not globally threatened. Fairly common. Perhaps more numerous in E of range; rather local in W. No population estimates.