Chestnut-crowned Gnateater

About the Chestnut-crowned Gnateater

The chestnut-crowned gnateater (Conopophaga castaneiceps) is a species of bird in the family Conopophagidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The position of the chestnut-crowned gnateater in linear format is unsettled. The International Ornithological Committee (IOC) and the Clements taxonomy place it differently within the gnateater family.

Four subspecies are recognized, though birds on the western slope of Colombia's Central Andes might be an unnamed taxon: C. c. chocoensis Chapman (1915) C. c. castaneiceps Sclater (1857) C. c. chapmani Carriker (1933) C. c. brunneinucha von Berlepsch & Stolzmann (1896) The chestnut-crowned gnateater is 13 to 14 cm (5.1 to 5.5 in) long. The mean weight of seven specimens was 27.6 g (0.97 oz). The male of the nominate subspecies has brown upper parts; a gray face, throat, and chest; and orange-brown flanks and vent area. The top of the head is orange-red and there is a white tuft behind the eye. C. c. chapmani has a brighter (less brown) crown. C. c. brunneinucha's orange-red is only the forehead; it is darker overall and has a white patch on the belly. C. c. chocoensis is similar to brunneinucha... Wikipedia →