Greenish Schiffornis

Overview

The greenish schiffornis (Schiffornis virescens) is a small bird in the family Tityridae. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, though its population is believed to be decreasing despite a lack of immediate identified threats.

Identification

• Approximately 15.5 cm long, with sexes sharing the same plumage.
• Greenish brown upperparts with rufescent wings and tail; lighter greenish brown underparts.
• Dark brown iris, olive-grayish bill, and olive-grayish legs.
• Indistinct pale ring around the eye on an otherwise greenish brown face.
• Song described as variations of 'very high, thin tjuuh-witwée' where the first part is low and drawn out, followed by two decisive short notes, the last being the highest.

Habitat

Found in southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina, it inhabits humid primary forest, mature secondary forest, and gallery forest. The species favours the understory to mid-story levels, ranging in elevation from sea level to approximately 1,200 m.

Diet

The greenish schiffornis feeds on adult insects and caterpillars. Its diet and foraging behaviour are believed to be similar to that of the brown-winged schiffornis.

Did you know?

Despite being recognised as a distinct species for a long time, the greenish schiffornis was known by the scientific name Schiffornis unicolor into the early twentieth century before retaining the epithet virescens.