Olivaceous Piha (Snowornis cryptolophus)

Identification & Behavior: ~23.5 cm (9.2 in). The Olivaceous Piha is overall olive-green. It has a noticeable yellowish orbital skin and a concealed median black stripe on  the crown. It forages in the midstory of humid montane forest in a similar fashion as other pihas or trogons; staying motionless for long periods of time before launching on insects or hanging fruit. It is very similar to the Gray-tailed Piha but is distinguished by ranging at higher elevations and by having and olive-green body and tail.

Status: The Olivaceous Piha is uncommon to rare in montane forests of the east slope of the Andes at elevations ranging between 1350-2300 m. It also occurs in Co and Ec.

Name in Spanish: Piha Olivácea.

Sub-species: Olivaceous Piha (Snowornis cryptolophus cryptolophus), (P. L. Sclater and Salvin), 1877.

Meaning of Name: Snowornis: Snow= In honor of Dr. David William Snow (1924-2009) English ornithologist, ecologist and Gr. ornis, ornithos= bird. cryptolophus: Gr. kruptos= hidden and lophos= crest.

See more of the Family Cotingidae