Olive-crowned Crescentchest

About the Olive-crowned Crescentchest

The olive-crowned crescentchest (Melanopareia maximiliani) is a species of bird in the family Melanopareiidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. The crescentchests (genus Melanopareia) were previously included in family Rhinocryptidae, the tapaculos. A 2010 publication confirmed earlier work and created their present genus. The olive-crowned crescentchest has three subspecies, the nominate Melanopareia maximiliani maximiliani, M. m. argentina, and M. m. pallida. The last has been suggested as a separate species due to vocal differences. In addition, a subpopulation of M. m. pallida might be an undescribed taxon.

The olive-crowned crescentchest is 15 cm (5.9 in) long. Males weigh 17.1 to 18.0 g (0.60 to 0.63 oz), one female weighed 16.7 g (0.59 oz), and unsexed specimens weighed 16.9 to 18.2 g (0.60 to 0.64 oz). The nominate subspecies' crown and upperparts are olive-brown, the throat deep buff, and the chest and belly ochraceous. It has a narrow buff supercilium with a black mask below and a black crescent and chesnut band between the throat and chest. M. m. argentina is similar but has paler underparts. M. m. pallida is... Wikipedia →