Rufous mourner

Rufous mourner
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Tyrannidae
Genus: Rhytipterna
Species:
R. holerythra
Binomial name
Rhytipterna holerythra

The rufous mourner (Rhytipterna holerythra) is a small passerine bird in the tyrant flycatcher family. It breeds from southwestern Mexico to northwestern Ecuador. It was formerly believed to be a cotinga, but well-supported anatomical evidence has shown it to be related to tyrant flycatchers of the genera Myiarchus, Sirystes and Casiornis.[2]

The rufous mourner is 20 cm (7.9 in) long and weighs 40 g (1.4 oz). Its plumage is entirely rufous, brighter on the underparts, and with darker brown wings. The base of the bill is pink or horn-coloured. The call is a drawling way teeer and the song is wee hi hi weeur-weeur-weeur.

This bird is found in lowlands and foothills up to 1,200 m (3,900 ft) altitude in wet forests, adjacent old second growth, semi-open areas and shady plantations. The rufous mourner is seen alone, in family groups or as part of a mixed-species feeding flock. It perches on a twig from which it sallies forth to catch large insects and caterpillars and many seeds and fruit.[3] Usually, the food is taken in flight.

It nests in tree cavities, especially old woodpecker holes. It may also nest in holes in earth banks.[2]

  1. ^ BirdLife International (2016). "Rhytipterna holerythra". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22700373A93771561. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22700373A93771561.en. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b Scholes (2004)
  3. ^ E.g. of gumbo-limbo (Bursera simaruba), and less frequently from Cymbopetalum mayanum (Annonaceae): Foster (2007)