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TAPACULOS (RHINOCRYPTIDAE; 1 SPECIES) Neotropical family occurring

mainly in South America. Ages differ, with juv. plumage soon replaced by adult-like plumage;

sexes differ slightly.

SILVERY-FRONTED TAPACULO  Scytalopus argentifrons 11–12cm. Very small,

skulking denizen of humid highland forest edge and understory, second growth,

especially bamboo thickets. Heard far more often than seen. Typically on or

near the ground in tangles, moving like a mouse through dense vegetation; tail

often cocked. No truly similar species, but seen poorly may suggest a small

wren. SOUNDS: Song a staccato, slightly ringing series of hard chips, chi-chi...,

6–7/sec, mainly 2.5–7 secs duration; typically starts slightly faster and quieter

before quickly settling to a steady pace. Common call a ringing slow rattle,

sometimes loud, of (usually 6–11) semi-metallic to nasal downslurred notes;

shorter series often descending overall and slowing slightly, longer series faster-paced and may suggest a

wren, chih-chih. Quiet, downslurred nasal chieh when foraging. STATUS: Fairly common, from timberline

locally down to 1200m on Pacific slope, to 800m on Caribbean slope. (Costa Rica to w. Panama.)

SHARPBILLS (1 species) Enigmatic, small neotropical group; has been included with cotingas, now

usually merged with tityra family or treated as its own family (Oxyruncidae). Ages/sexes differ slightly;

like adult in 1st year.

*CENTRAL AMERICAN SHARPBILL  Oxyruncus [cristatus] frater 16–17cm.

Distinctive but often unobtrusive species of humid foothill forest. Mainly in

canopy, as singles, probing in mossy tangles and dead-leaf clusters, hanging acro­

batically at times; joins mixed flocks. Can be sluggish and quiet for long periods,

when overlooked easily. Singing males may gather in small groups high in canopy.

Nothing really similar in Costa Rica: note spotted underparts, head pattern,

greenish upperparts. Female lacks serrated outer primary of male, crest shorter

with central scarlet area reduced to a line. SOUNDS: Song a descending, semi-

metallic, burry whistle, 2–2.5 secs, whieeeurrr. STATUS: Scarce to uncommon and

local on Caribbean slope, mainly 500–1500m. (Costa Rica to nw. Colombia.)

COTINGAS (COTINGIDAE; 8 SPECIES) Neotropical family, occurring mainly in

South America (includes Rufous Piha, p. 284). Ages/sexes differ strikingly or similar. Immature

plumage progression of some strongly dimorphic species poorly known.

LOVELY COTINGA  Cotinga amabilis 18–19cm. Stunning and sought-after

species of humid forest and edge, adjacent second growth and clearings with

taller fruiting trees. No overlap with Turquoise Cotinga. Mainly in canopy,

where small numbers may gather at fruiting trees; plucks berries by brief sally-

ing flutters. Often sits quietly for long periods and males especially can perch

on exposed snags and be seen from long distance. ‘Electric-blue’ male unmis-

takable; female distinctive but can be puzzling: note plump shape with rounded

head, spotted underparts, scalloped upperparts. Imm. like female with buffier

wing edgings, more spotted vs. scaly upperparts; males can show patches of

adult color. SOUNDS: Mostly quiet. Abrupt, slightly squeaky high piic! easily passed off as a frog. In flight,

male makes soft, dry, ticking wing rattle, easily passed over as an insect. STATUS: Uncommon to scarce and

local on Caribbean slope, mainly in lower foothills but locally to 1700m. (Mexico to w. Panama.)

TURQUOISE COTINGA  Cotinga ridgwayi 17.5–18.5cm. Stunning Pacific-

slope counterpart to Lovely Cotinga, inhabiting humid forest and edge, adja­

cent clearings with taller trees. Habits much like Lovely Cotinga (no range

overlap). Male differs from Lovely in dark-dappled back, black eyering; female

warmer and buffier than Lovely. SOUNDS: Mostly quiet. In flight, male makes

soft, dry, rippling wing rattle, rather insect-like. STATUS: Uncommon to scarce

and local on s. Pacific slope, locally to 1800m. (Costa Rica to w. Panama.)