The russet-winged schiffornis, or russet-winged mourner, is a species of Neotropical bird in the family Tityridae, the tityras, becards, and allies. It is found in Colombia, Panama, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern South America and southern Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland and foothill forests of eastern Panama, northern Colombia, and northwestern Venezuela. Prefers mature forest interiors, shaded ravines, and dense vine tangles but also uses older secondary forest. Typically keeps to the understory and midstory, moving deliberately from perch to perch. Often detected along forested slopes and near streams where cover is thick.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called a 'mourner', it delivers a clear, mournful, descending whistle that carries far through humid forests. It is a shy understory to midstory bird that often goes unseen, revealed more by its voice than its plain plumage. Formerly lumped with other schiffornis, it is now treated as a distinct species in the family Tityridae.
Temperament
secretive and retiring
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between close perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs and sometimes joins mixed-species flocks moving through the understory. Territorial songs are given from concealed perches. Nesting is typically in a suspended or cup-like structure placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation; both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a clear, mournful, descending whistle often repeated at intervals, especially at dawn. Calls are simple, fluted notes that penetrate dense forest and aid detection of this otherwise inconspicuous bird.
