Maranon Crescentchest

Overview

The Marañón crescentchest (Melanopareia maranonica) is a small bird in the family Melanopareiidae that was previously classified among the tapaculos. It is a monotypic species that is assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Length of 16 cm (6.3 in) with a female weight of 23 g (0.81 oz).
• Males possess a black crown and nape, with a grayish olive back and rump.
• A broad black band below the white or light buff throat merges into a chestnut breast, which is tawny below; females have a narrower black band and ochraceous tawny underparts.
• Song consists of a series of rich notes transcribed as 'tu tu-tu-tu'tu'tu'tu'tu'tu'tu'tu'.

Habitat

Found in the valley of the Marañón River and its tributaries in northern Peru and slightly into adjacent southern Ecuador. It occupies elevations from 200 to 700 m (660 to 2,300 ft), inhabiting tropical deciduous forest and dry scrub.

Diet

The diet has not been specifically described but is presumed to consist of insects, perhaps seeds, and other vegetable matter.

Did you know?

Although nothing is known about its breeding phenology, its nest is assumed to be a cup shape similar to those of other Melanopareia species.