Black-spotted Bare-eye (Phlegopsis nigromaculata)

Identification & Behavior: ~18.5 cm (7.2 in). The Black-spotted Bare-Eye has a black head, neck, and most of the underparts. The back is rufous-brown with ornate black elongated spots. It has a broad eye ring of bright red bare skin. Sexes are alike. It forages in the understory of floodplain and terra firme forest often following army ants. It is similar to the Reddish-winged Bare-Eye but is distinguished by having a spotted back and rufous tail.

Status: The Black-spotted Bare-Eye is uncommon and widespread in Amazonia where it is known to range up to 800 m along the foothill of the Andes. It appears to be absent from northwest Loreto. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Ojo-Pelado Moteado de Negro.

Sub-species: Black-spotted Bare-eye (Phlegopsis nigromaculata nigromaculata), (d’Orbigny and Lafresnaye) 1837.

Meaning of Name: Phlegopsis: Gr. Phlegom, phlogos= flame, to flame. nigromaculata: L. niger= black and macula,maculare= spot, to make spotted.

See more of the Family Thamnophilidae