Elegant Crescentchest
NameElegant Crescentchest
Common NameElegant Crescentchest
Scientific NameMelanopareia elegans
FamilyMelanopareiidae
Wingspan (cm)22
Length (cm)14.5
Weight (g)18
Plumage DetailsFeatures a black crown, a broad buff supercilium, and a prominent black eye-stripe that extends into a black crescent band across the upper breast. The throat and breast are rufous-chestnut, fading to a buffy belly. Upperparts are brownish-grey with rufous tones on the wings.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a series of rapid, high-pitched, ringing notes, often described as a trill or a rapid 'tew-tew-tew-tew' sound.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the arid and semi-arid regions of southwestern Ecuador and northwestern Peru.
Identifying FeaturesBlack crown, Broad buff supercilium, Black crescent band on breast, Rufous-chestnut throat and breast, Small size
Description
The Elegant Crescentchest is a small, distinctive bird characterized by its striking facial pattern and rufous underparts. It typically forages secretively on or near the ground in dry scrub and forest undergrowth, often flicking its tail.
