Order: Tinamiformes Family: Tinamidae
The tinamous are one of the most ancient groups of bird. Although they look similar to other ground-dwelling birds like quail and grouse, they have no close relatives and are classified as a single family, Tinamidae, within their own order, the Tinamiformes. They are distantly related to the ratites (order Struthioniformes), that includes the rheas, emus, and kiwis. Fourteen species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Tawny-breasted tinamou, Nothocercus julius
Highland tinamou, Nothocercus bonapartei
Gray tinamou, Tinamus tao
Great tinamou, Tinamus major
White-throated tinamou, Tinamus guttatus
Cinereous tinamou, Crypturellus cinereus
Little tinamou, Crypturellus soui
Tepui tinamou, Crypturellus ptaritepui (E)
Brown tinamou, Crypturellus obsoletus
Undulated tinamou, Crypturellus undulatus
Gray-legged tinamou, Crypturellus duidae
Red-legged tinamou, Crypturellus erythropus
Variegated tinamou, Crypturellus variegatus
Barred tinamou, Crypturellus casiquiare
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anhimidae
The screamers are a small family of birds related to the ducks. They are large bulky birds, with a small downy head, long legs and large feet which are only partially webbed. They have large spurs on their wings which are used in fights over mates and in territorial disputes. Two species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Horned screamer, Anhima cornuta
Northern screamer, Chauna chavaria
Ducks, geese, and waterfowl
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating. Nineteen species have been recorded in Venezuela.
White-faced whistling-duck, Dendrocygna viduata
Black-bellied whistling-duck, Dendrocygna autumnalis
Fulvous whistling-duck, Dendrocygna bicolor
Comb duck, Sarkidiornis melanotos
Orinoco goose, Oressochen jubata
Muscovy duck, Cairina moschata
Brazilian teal, Amazonetta brasiliensis
Torrent duck, Merganetta armata
American wigeon, Anas americana
Blue-winged teal, Anas discors
Cinnamon teal, Anas cyanoptera
Northern shoveler, Anas clypeata
White-cheeked pintail, Anas bahamensis
Northern pintail, Anas acuta
Andean teal, Anas andium
Southern pochard, Netta erythrophthalma
Ring-necked duck, Aythya collaris
Lesser scaup, Aythya affinis
Masked duck, Nomonyx dominicus
Guans, chachalacas, and curassows
Order: Galliformes Family: Cracidae
The Cracidae are large birds, similar in general appearance to turkeys. The guans and curassows live in trees, but the smaller chachalacas are found in more open scrubby habitats. They are generally dull-plumaged, but the curassows and some guans have colorful facial ornaments. Fourteen species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Rufous-vented chachalaca, Ortalis ruficauda
Variable chachalaca, Ortalis motmot
Band-tailed guan, Penelope argyrotis
Andean guan, Penelope montagnii
Marail guan, Penelope marail
Spix's guan, Penelope jacquacu
Crested guan, Penelope purpurascens
Blue-throated piping-guan, Pipile cumanensis
Wattled guan, Aburria aburri
Nocturnal curassow, Nothocrax urumutum
Crestless curassow, Mitu tomentosum
Helmeted curassow, Pauxi pauxi
Yellow-knobbed curassow, Crax daubentoni
Black curassow, Crax alector
Order: Galliformes Family: Odontophoridae
The New World quails are small, plump terrestrial birds only distantly related to the quails of the Old World, but named for their similar appearance and habits. Four species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Crested bobwhite, Colinus cristatus
Marbled wood-quail, Odontophorus gujanensis
Black-fronted wood-quail, Odontophorus atrifrons
Venezuelan wood-quail, Odontophorus columbianus (E)
Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. Two species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Least grebe, Tachybaptus dominicus
Pied-billed grebe, Podilymbus podiceps
Order: Phoenicopteriformes Family: Phoenicopteridae
Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 m) tall, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. Flamingos filter-feed on shellfish and algae. Their oddly shaped beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume and, uniquely, are used upside-down. One species has been recorded in Venezuela.
American flamingo, Phoenicopterus ruber
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Diomedeidae
The albatrosses are among the largest of flying birds, and the great albatrosses from the genus Diomedea have the largest wingspans of any extant birds. One species has been recorded in Venezuela.
Yellow-nosed albatross, Thalassarche chlororhynchos (A)
Shearwaters and petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Procellariidae
The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels", characterized by united nostrils with medium septum and a long outer functional primary. Four species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Black-capped petrel, Pterodroma hasitata (H)
Cory's shearwater, Calonectris diomedea (H)
Great shearwater, Ardenna gravis
Audubon's shearwater, Puffinus lherminieri
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Hydrobatidae
The storm-petrels are relatives of the petrels and are the smallest seabirds. They feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like. Two species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Wilson's storm petrel, Oceanites oceanicus
Leach's storm petrel, Oceanodroma leucorhoa
Order: Phaethontiformes Family: Phaethontidae
Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans, with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their heads and long wings have black markings. Two species have been recorded in Venezuela.
White-tailed tropicbird, Phaethon lepturus (H)
Red-billed tropicbird, Phaethon aethereus
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory. Three species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Maguari stork, Ciconia maguari
Jabiru, Jabiru mycteria
Wood stork, Mycteria americana
Order: Suliformes Family: Fregatidae
Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black-and-white, or completely black, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have colored inflatable throat pouches. They do not swim or walk and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week. One species has been recorded in Venezuela.
Magnificent frigatebird, Fregata magnificens
Boobies and gannets
Order: Suliformes Family: Sulidae
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium to large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish. Three species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Masked booby, Sula dactylatra
Brown booby, Sula leucogaster
Red-footed booby, Sula sula
Cormorants and shags
Order: Suliformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium to large coastal, fish-eating seabirds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage coloration varies, with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black-and-white, and a few being colorful. One species has been recorded in Venezuela.
Neotropic cormorant, Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Order: Suliformes Family: Anhingidae
Anhingas are often called "snake-birds" because of their long thin neck, which gives a snake-like appearance when they swim with their bodies submerged. The males have black and dark-brown plumage, an erectile crest on the nape, and a larger bill than the female. The females have much paler plumage especially on the neck and underparts. The darters have completely webbed feet and their legs are short and set far back on the body. Their plumage is somewhat permeable, like that of cormorants, and they spread their wings to dry after diving. One species has been recorded in Venezuela.
Anhinga, Anhinga anhinga
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae
Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes. One species has been recorded in Venezuela.
Brown pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis
Herons, egrets, and bitterns
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises, and spoonbills. Twenty-two species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Pinnated bittern, Botaurus pinnatus
Zigzag heron, Zebrilus undulatus
Least bittern, Ixobrychus exilis
Stripe-backed bittern, Ixobrychus involucris
Rufescent tiger-heron, Tigrisoma lineatum
Fasciated tiger-heron, Tigrisoma fasciatum
Great blue heron, Ardea herodias
Cocoi heron, Ardea cocoi
Great egret, Ardea alba
Snowy egret, Egretta thula
Little blue heron, Egretta caerulea
Tricolored heron, Egretta tricolor
Reddish egret, Egretta rufescens
Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis
Green heron, Butorides virescens
Striated heron, Butorides striata
Agami heron, Agamia agami
Whistling heron, Syrigma sibilatrix
Capped heron, Pilherodius pileatus
Black-crowned night-heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
Yellow-crowned night-heron, Nyctanassa violacea
Boat-billed heron, Cochlearius cochlearius
Ibises and spoonbills
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Threskiornithidae
Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers. Eight species have been recorded in Venezuela.
White ibis, Eudocimus albus
Scarlet ibis, Eudocimus ruber
Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus
Sharp-tailed ibis, Cercibis oxycerca
Green ibis, Mesembrinibis cayennensis
Bare-faced ibis, Phimosus infuscatus
Buff-necked ibis, Theristicus caudatus
Roseate spoonbill, Platalea ajaja
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Cathartidae
The New World vultures are not closely related to Old World vultures, but superficially resemble them because of convergent evolution. Like the Old World vultures, they are scavengers. However, unlike Old World vultures, which find carcasses by sight, New World vultures have a good sense of smell with which they locate carrion. Six species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Black vulture, Coragyps atratus
Turkey vulture, Cathartes aura
Lesser yellow-headed vulture, Cathartes burrovianus
Greater yellow-headed vulture, Cathartes melambrotus
Andean condor, Vultur gryphus
King vulture, Sarcoramphus papa
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Pandionidae
The Pandionidae family contains only one species, the osprey. The osprey is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.
Osprey, Pandion haliaetus
Hawks, eagles, and kites
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae
Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers, and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight. Forty-five species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Pearl kite, Gampsonyx swainsonii
White-tailed kite, Elanus leucurus
Hook-billed kite, Chondrohierax uncinatus
Gray-headed kite, Leptodon cayanensis
Swallow-tailed kite, Elanoides forficatus
Crested eagle, Morphnus guianensis
Harpy eagle, Harpia harpyja
Black hawk-eagle, Spizaetus tyrannus
Ornate hawk-eagle, Spizaetus ornatus
Black-and-white hawk-eagle, Spizaetus melanoleucus
Black-and-chestnut eagle, Spizaetus isidori
Black-collared hawk, Busarellus nigricollis
Snail kite, Rostrhamus sociabilis
Slender-billed kite, Helicolestes hamatus
Double-toothed kite, Harpagus bidentatus
Rufous-thighed kite, Harpagus diodon (A)
Mississippi kite, Ictinia mississippiensis (H)
Plumbeous kite, Ictinia plumbea
Long-winged harrier, Circus buffoni
Northern harrier, Circus cyaneus
Gray-bellied hawk, Accipiter poliogaster
Tiny hawk, Accipiter superciliosus
Semicollared hawk, Accipiter collaris
Sharp-shinned hawk, Accipiter striatus
Bicolored hawk, Accipiter bicolor
Crane hawk, Geranospiza caerulescens
Slate-colored hawk, Buteogallus schistaceus
Common black hawk, Buteogallus anthracinus
Rufous crab hawk, Buteogallus aequinoctialis
Savanna hawk, Buteogallus meridionalis
Great black hawk, Buteogallus urubitinga
Solitary eagle, Buteogallus solitarius
Roadside hawk, Rupornis magnirostris
Harris's hawk, Parabuteo unicinctus
White-rumped hawk, Parabuteo leucorrhous
White-tailed hawk, Geranoaetus albicaudatus
Black-chested buzzard-eagle, Geranoaetus melanoleucus
White hawk, Pseudastur albicollis
Black-faced hawk, Leucopternis melanops
Gray-lined hawk, Buteo nitidus
Broad-winged hawk, Buteo platypterus
Short-tailed hawk, Buteo brachyurus
White-throated hawk, Buteo albigula
Swainson's hawk, Buteo swainsoni
Zone-tailed hawk, Buteo albonotatus
Order: Eurypygiformes Family: Eurypygidae
The sunbittern is a bittern-like bird of tropical regions of the Americas and the sole member of the family Eurypygidae (sometimes spelled Eurypigidae) and genus Eurypyga.
Sunbittern, Eurypyga helias
Rails, gallinules, and coots
Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae
Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps, or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers. Twenty-two species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Speckled rail, Coturnicops notatus
Ocellated crake, Micropygia schomburgkii
Yellow-breasted crake, Hapalocrex flaviventer
Rusty-flanked crake, Laterallus levraudi (E)
Rufous-sided crake, Laterallus melanophaius
White-throated crake, Laterallus albigularis
Gray-breasted crake, Laterallus exilis
Mangrove rail, Rallus longirostris
Plain-flanked rail, Rallus wetmorei (E)
Rufous-necked wood-rail, Aramides axillaris
Gray-cowled wood-rail, Aramides cajaneus (called gray-necked wood-rail by the SACC)
Uniform crake, Amaurolimnas concolor
Russet-crowned crake, Anurolimnas viridis
Sora, Porzana carolina
Ash-throated crake, Mustelirallus albicollis
Paint-billed crake, Mustelirallus erythrops
Spotted rail, Pardirallus maculatus
Blackish rail, Pardirallus nigricans
Purple gallinule, Porphyrio martinicus (called P. martinica by the SACC)
Azure gallinule, Porphyrio flavirostris
Common gallinule, Gallinula galeata
American coot, Fulica americana
Order: Gruiformes Family: Heliornithidae
Heliornithidae is a small family of tropical birds with webbed lobes on their feet similar to those of grebes and coots. One species has been recorded in Venezuela.
Sungrebe, Heliornis fulica
Order: Gruiformes Family: Aramidae
The limpkin resembles a large rail. It has drab-brown plumage and a grayer head and neck.
Limpkin, Aramus guarauna
Order: Gruiformes Family: Psophiidae
The trumpeters are dumpy birds with long necks and legs and chicken-like bills. They are named for the trumpeting call of the males. One species has been recorded in Venezuela.
Gray-winged trumpeter, Psophia crepitans
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Burhinidae
The thick-knees are a group of largely tropical waders in the family Burhinidae. They are found worldwide within the tropical zone, with some species also breeding in temperate Europe and Australia. They are medium to large waders with strong black or yellow-black bills, large yellow eyes, and cryptic plumage. Despite being classed as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats. One species has been recorded in Venezuela.
Double-striped thick-knee, Burhinus bistriatus
Stilts and avocets
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. Two species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Black-necked stilt, Himantopus mexicanus
American avocet, Recurvirostra americana (H)
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Haematopodidae
The oystercatchers are large and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs. One species has been recorded in Venezuela.
American oystercatcher, Haematopus palliatus
Plovers and lapwings
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks, and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water. Nine species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
American golden-plover, Pluvialis dominica
Pied lapwing, Vanellus cayanus
Southern lapwing, Vanellus chilensis
Collared plover, Charadrius collaris
Snowy plover, Charadrius nivosus
Wilson's plover, Charadrius wilsonia
Semipalmated plover, Charadrius semipalmatus
Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus (A)
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Jacanidae
The jacanas are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They are found throughout the tropics. They are identifiable by their huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat. One species has been recorded in Venezuela.
Wattled jacana, Jacana jacana
Sandpipers and allies
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers, and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. Thirty-two species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Upland sandpiper, Bartramia longicauda
Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus
Long-billed curlew, Numenius americanus (A)
Hudsonian godwit, Limosa haemastica
Bar-tailed godwit, Limosa lapponica (A)
Marbled godwit, Limosa fedoa (A)
Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres
Red knot, Calidris canutus
Ruff, Calidris pugnax (H)
Stilt sandpiper, Calidris himantopus
Sanderling, Calidris alba
Dunlin, Calidris alpina (A)
Baird's sandpiper, Calidris bairdii (A)
Least sandpiper, Calidris minutilla
White-rumped sandpiper, Calidris fuscicollis
Buff-breasted sandpiper, Calidris subruficollis
Pectoral sandpiper, Calidris melanotos
Semipalmated sandpiper, Calidris pusilla
Western sandpiper, Calidris mauri
Short-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus griseus
Long-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus scolopaceus (A)
Wilson's snipe, Gallinago delicata
South American snipe, Gallinago paraguaiae
Noble snipe, Gallinago nobilis
Giant snipe, Gallinago undulata
Jameson's snipe, Gallinago jamesoni
Wilson's phalarope, Phalaropus tricolor (A)
Spotted sandpiper, Actitis macularius
Solitary sandpiper, Tringa solitaria
Greater yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca
Willet, Tringa semipalmata
Lesser yellowlegs, Tringa flavipes
Skuas and jaegers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Stercorariidae
The family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with gray or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions and are long-distance migrants. Five species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Great skua, Stercorarius skua (H)
South polar skua, Stercorarius maccormicki (A)
Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus
Parasitic jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus
Long-tailed jaeger, Stercorarius longicaudus (H)
Gulls, terns, and skimmers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds and includes gulls, kittiwakes, and terns. They are typically gray or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. Terns are a group of generally medium to large seabirds typically with gray or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species known to live in excess of 30 years. Twenty-two species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Black-legged kittiwake, Rissa tridactyla (A)
Black-headed gull, Chroicocephalus ridibundus
Laughing gull, Leucophaeus atricilla
Franklin's gull, Leucophaeus pipixcan (A)
Ring-billed gull, Larus delawarensis (A)
Herring gull, Larus argentatus (A)
Lesser black-backed gull, Larus fuscus (A)
Brown noddy, Anous stolidus
Black noddy, Anous minutus
Sooty tern, Onychoprion fuscatus
Bridled tern, Onychoprion anaethetus
Least tern, Sternula antillarum
Yellow-billed tern, Sternula superciliaris
Large-billed tern, Phaetusa simplex
Gull-billed tern, Gelochelidon nilotica
Caspian tern, Hydroprogne caspia
Black tern, Chlidonias niger
Roseate tern, Sterna dougallii
Common tern, Sterna hirundo
Royal tern, Thalasseus maximus
Sandwich tern, Thalasseus sandvicensis
Black skimmer, Rynchops niger
Pigeons and doves
Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. Twenty-one species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Rock pigeon, Columba livia (I)
Pale-vented pigeon, Patagioenas cayennensis
Scaled pigeon, Patagioenas speciosa
Scaly-naped pigeon, Patagioenas squamosa
Bare-eyed pigeon, Patagioenas corensis
White-crowned pigeon, Patagioenas leucocephala (A)
Band-tailed pigeon, Patagioenas fasciata
Plumbeous pigeon, Patagioenas plumbea
Ruddy pigeon, Patagioenas subvinacea
Common ground-dove, Columbina passerina
Plain-breasted ground-dove, Columbina minuta
Ruddy ground-dove, Columbina talpacoti
Scaled dove, Columbina squammata
Blue ground-dove, Claravis pretiosa
Maroon-chested ground-dove, Claravis mondetoura
Ruddy quail-dove, Geotrygon montana
Violaceous quail-dove, Geotrygon violacea
White-tipped dove, Leptotila verreauxi
Gray-fronted dove, Leptotila rufaxilla
Lined quail-dove, Zentrygon linearis
Eared dove, Zenaida auriculata
Order: Opisthocomiformes Family: Opisthocomidae
The Hoatzin is pheasant-sized, but much slimmer. It has a long tail and neck, but a small head with an unfeathered blue face and red eyes which are topped by a spiky crest. It is a weak flier which is found in the swamps of the Amazon and Orinoco rivers.
Hoatzin, Opisthocomus hoazin
Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners, and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails, and strong legs. Seventeen species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Greater ani, Crotophaga major
Smooth-billed ani, Crotophaga ani
Groove-billed ani, Crotophaga sulcirostris
Striped cuckoo, Tapera naevia
Pheasant cuckoo, Dromococcyx phasianellus
Pavonine cuckoo, Dromococcyx pavoninus
Rufous-winged ground-cuckoo, Neomorphus rufipennis
Little cuckoo, Coccycua minuta
Dwarf cuckoo, Coccycua pumila
Squirrel cuckoo, Piaya cayana
Black-bellied cuckoo, Piaya melanogaster
Dark-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus melacoryphus
Yellow-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus
Pearly-breasted cuckoo, Coccyzus euleri
Mangrove cuckoo, Coccyzus minor
Black-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus erythropthalmus
Gray-capped cuckoo, Coccyzus lansbergi
Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae
Barn-owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. One species has been recorded in Venezuela.
Barn owl, Tyto alba
Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
The typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk. Twenty-one species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Tropical screech-owl, Megascops choliba
Rufescent screech-owl, Megascops ingens
Cinnamon screech-owl, Megascops petersoni
Tawny-bellied screech-owl, Megascops watsonii
Vermiculated screech-owl, Megascops guatemalae
White-throated screech-owl, Megascops albogularis
Crested owl, Lophostrix cristata
Spectacled owl, Pulsatrix perspicillata
Great horned owl, Bubo virginianus
Andean pygmy-owl, Glaucidium jardinii
Amazonian pygmy-owl, Glaucidium hardyi
Ferruginous pygmy-owl, Glaucidium brasilianum
Burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia
Mottled owl, Ciccaba virgata
Black-and-white owl, Ciccaba nigrolineata
Black-banded owl, Ciccaba huhula
Rufous-banded owl, Ciccaba albitarsis
Stygian owl, Asio stygius
Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus
Striped owl, Pseudoscops clamator (The SACC places striped owl in genus Asio)
Buff-fronted owl, Aegolius harrisii
Nightjars and allies
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs, and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves. Nineteen species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Nacunda nighthawk, Chordeiles nacunda
Least nighthawk, Chordeiles pusillus
Sand-colored nighthawk, Chordeiles rupestris
Lesser nighthawk, Chordeiles acutipennis
Common nighthawk, Chordeiles minor
Short-tailed nighthawk, Lurocalis semitorquatus
Rufous-bellied nighthawk, Lurocalis rufiventris
Band-tailed nighthawk, Nyctiprogne leucopyga
Blackish nightjar, Nyctipolus nigrescens
Band-winged nightjar, Systellura longirostris
Common pauraque, Nyctidromus albicollis
Lyre-tailed nightjar, Uropsalis lyra
Todd's nightjar, Setopagis heterura
Roraiman nightjar, Setopagis whitelyi
White-tailed nightjar, Hydropsalis cayennensis
Spot-tailed nightjar, Hydropsalis maculicaudus
Ladder-tailed nightjar, Hydropsalis climacocerca
Chuck-will's-widow, Antrostomus carolinensis
Rufous nightjar, Antrostomus rufus
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Nyctibiidae
(The SACC places potoos in their own order, Nyctibiiformes)
The potoos (sometimes called poor-me-ones) are large near passerine birds related to the nightjars and frogmouths. They are nocturnal insectivores which lack the bristles around the mouth found in the true nightjars. Six species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Great potoo, Nyctibius grandis
Long-tailed potoo, Nyctibius aethereus
Common potoo, Nyctibius griseus
Andean potoo, Nyctibius maculosus
White-winged potoo, Nyctibius leucopterus
Rufous potoo, Nyctibius bracteatus
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Steatornithidae
(The SACC places the oilbird in its own order, Steatornithiformes)
The oilbird is a slim, long-winged bird related to the nightjars. It is nocturnal and a specialist feeder on the fruit of the oil palm.
Oilbird, Steatornis caripensis
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Apodidae
(The SACC places swifts in their own order, Apodiformes)
Swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang. Sixteen species have been recorded in Venezuela.
White-chinned swift, Cypseloides cryptus
Spot-fronted swift, Cypseloides cherriei
Chestnut-collared swift, Streptoprocne rutila
Tepui swift, Streptoprocne phelpsi
White-collared swift, Streptoprocne zonaris
Chimney swift, Chaetura pelagica
Vaux's swift, Chaetura vauxi
Chapman's swift, Chaetura chapmani
Sick's swift, Chaetura meridionalis (H)
Short-tailed swift, Chaetura brachyura
Band-rumped swift, Chaetura spinicaudus
Gray-rumped swift, Chaetura cinereiventris
White-tipped swift, Aeronautes montivagus
Lesser swallow-tailed swift, Panyptila cayennensis
Pygmy swift, Tachornis furcata
Fork-tailed palm-swift, Tachornis squamata
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Trochilidae
(The SACC places hummingbirds in their own order, Trochiliformes)
Hummingbirds are small birds capable of hovering in mid-air due to the rapid flapping of their wings. They are the only birds that can fly backwards. One hundred species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Crimson topaz, Topaza pella
Fiery topaz, Topaza pyra
White-necked jacobin, Florisuga mellivora
White-tipped sicklebill, Eutoxeres aquila
Rufous-breasted hermit, Glaucis hirsutus
Band-tailed barbthroat, Threnetes ruckeri
Pale-tailed barbthroat, Threnetes leucurus
White-bearded hermit, Phaethornis hispidus
Green hermit, Phaethornis guy
Straight-billed hermit, Phaethornis bourcieri
Long-billed hermit, Phaethornis longirostris
Long-tailed hermit, Phaethornis superciliosus
Great-billed hermit, Phaethornis malaris
Pale-bellied hermit, Phaethornis anthophilus
Streak-throated hermit, Phaethornis rupurumii
Little hermit, Phaethornis longuemareus
Stripe-throated hermit, Phaethornis striigularis
Gray-chinned hermit, Phaethornis griseogularis
Reddish hermit, Phaethornis ruber
Sooty-capped hermit, Phaethornis augusti
Green-fronted lancebill, Doryfera ludovicae
Blue-fronted lancebill, Doryfera johannae
Wedge-billed hummingbird, Schistes geoffroyi
Brown violetear, Colibri delphinae
Lesser violetear, Colibri cyanotus
Sparkling violetear, Colibri coruscans
Black-eared fairy, Heliothryx auritus
White-tailed goldenthroat, Polytmus guainumbi
Tepui goldenthroat, Polytmus milleri (E)
Green-tailed goldenthroat, Polytmus theresiae
Fiery-tailed awlbill, Avocettula recurvirostris
Ruby-topaz hummingbird, Chrysolampis mosquitus
Green-throated mango, Anthracothorax viridigula
Green-breasted mango, Anthracothorax prevostii
Black-throated mango, Anthracothorax nigricollis
Orange-throated sunangel, Heliangelus mavors
Amethyst-throated sunangel, Heliangelus amethysticollis
Black-bellied thorntail, Discosura langsdorffi
Racket-tailed coquette, Discosura longicaudus
Tufted coquette, Lophornis ornatus
Spangled coquette, Lophornis stictolophus
Festive coquette, Lophornis chalybeus
Peacock coquette, Lophornis pavoninus
Speckled hummingbird, Adelomyia melanogenys
Long-tailed sylph, Aglaiocercus kingii
Venezuelan sylph, Aglaiocercus berlepschi (E)
Purple-backed thornbill, Ramphomicron microrhynchum
Bronze-tailed thornbill, Chalcostigma heteropogon
White-bearded helmetcrest, Oxypogon lindenii (E)
Perija metaltail, Metallura iracunda
Tyrian metaltail, Metallura tyrianthina
Glowing puffleg, Eriocnemis vestita
Coppery-bellied puffleg, Eriocnemis cupreoventris
Bronzy inca, Coeligena coeligena
Collared inca, Coeligena torquata
Golden-bellied starfrontlet, Coeligena bonapartei
Blue-throated starfrontlet, Coeligena helianthea
Mountain velvetbreast, Lafresnaya lafresnayi
Sword-billed hummingbird, Ensifera ensifera
Great sapphirewing, Pterophanes cyanopterus (H)
Buff-tailed coronet, Boissonneaua flavescens
Booted racket-tail, Ocreatus underwoodii
Velvet-browed brilliant, Heliodoxa xanthogonys
Gould's jewelfront, Heliodoxa aurescens
Violet-fronted brilliant, Heliodoxa leadbeateri
Violet-chested hummingbird, Sternoclyta cyanopectus
Scissor-tailed hummingbird, Hylonympha macrocerca (E)
Long-billed starthroat, Heliomaster longirostris
Gorgeted woodstar, Chaetocercus heliodor
Rufous-shafted woodstar, Chaetocercus jourdanii
Amethyst woodstar, Calliphlox amethystina
Red-billed emerald, Chlorostilbon gibsoni
Blue-tailed emerald, Chlorostilbon mellisugus
Coppery emerald, Chlorostilbon russatus
Narrow-tailed emerald, Chlorostilbon stenurus
Green-tailed emerald, Chlorostilbon alice (E)
Short-tailed emerald, Chlorostilbon poortmani
Blue-chinned sapphire, Chlorestes notata
Violet-headed hummingbird, Klais guimeti
Gray-breasted sabrewing, Campylopterus largipennis
Rufous-breasted sabrewing, Campylopterus hyperythrus
White-tailed sabrewing, Campylopterus ensipennis
Lazuline sabrewing, Campylopterus falcatus
Buff-breasted sabrewing, Campylopterus duidae
White-vented plumeleteer, Chalybura buffonii
Crowned woodnymph, Thalurania colombica
Fork-tailed woodnymph, Thalurania furcata
Buffy hummingbird, Leucippus fallax
White-chested emerald, Amazilia brevirostris
Plain-bellied emerald, Amazilia leucogaster
Versicolored emerald, Amazilia versicolor
Glittering-throated emerald, Amazilia fimbriata
Sapphire-spangled emerald, Amazilia lactea
Steely-vented hummingbird, Amazilia saucerottei
Green-bellied hummingbird, Amazilia viridigaster
Rufous-tailed hummingbird, Amazilia tzacatl
Copper-rumped hummingbird, Amazilia tobaci
Golden-tailed sapphire, Chrysuronia oenone
Shining-green hummingbird, Lepidopyga goudoti
Rufous-throated sapphire, Hylocharis sapphirina
White-chinned sapphire, Hylocharis cyanus
Order: Trogoniformes Family: Trogonidae
The family Trogonidae includes trogons and quetzals. Found in tropical woodlands worldwide, they feed on insects and fruit, and their broad bills and weak legs reflect their diet and arboreal habits. Although their flight is fast, they are reluctant to fly any distance. Trogons have soft, often colorful, feathers with distinctive male and female plumage. Twelve species have been recorded Venezuela.
Pavonine quetzal, Pharomachrus pavoninus
Golden-headed quetzal, Pharomachrus auriceps
White-tipped quetzal, Pharomachrus fulgidus
Crested quetzal, Pharomachrus antisianus
Black-tailed trogon, Trogon melanurus
Green-backed trogon, Trogon viridis
Gartered trogon, Trogon caligatus
Guianan trogon, Trogon violaceus
Amazonian trogon, Trogon ramonianus
Black-throated trogon, Trogon rufus
Collared trogon, Trogon collaris
Masked trogon, Trogon personatus
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Momotidae
The motmots have colorful plumage and long, graduated tails which they display by waggling back and forth. In most of the species, the barbs near the ends of the two longest (central) tail feathers are weak and fall off, leaving a length of bare shaft and creating a racket-shaped tail. Two species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Whooping motmot, Momotus subrufescens
Amazonian motmot, Momotus momota
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. Six species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Ringed kingfisher, Megaceryle torquata
Belted kingfisher, Megaceryle alcyon
Amazon kingfisher, Chloroceryle amazona
Green kingfisher, Chloroceryle americana
Green-and-rufous kingfisher, Chloroceryle inda
American pygmy kingfisher, Chloroceryle aenea
Order: Galbuliformes Family: Bucconidae
The puffbirds are related to the jacamars and have the same range, but lack the iridescent colors of that family. They are mainly brown, rufous, or gray, with large heads and flattened bills with hooked tips. The loose abundant plumage and short tails makes them look stout and puffy, giving rise to the English common name of the family. Fourteen species have been recorded in Venezuela.
White-necked puffbird, Notharchus hyperrhynchus
Guianan puffbird, Notharchus macrorhynchos
Brown-banded puffbird, Notharchus ordii
Pied puffbird, Notharchus tectus
Chestnut-capped puffbird, Bucco macrodactylus
Spotted puffbird, Bucco tamatia
Collared puffbird, Bucco capensis
Russet-throated puffbird, Hypnelus ruficollis
White-chested puffbird, Malacoptila fusca
Moustached puffbird, Malacoptila mystacalis
Rusty-breasted nunlet, Nonnula rubecula
Black nunbird, Monasa atra
White-fronted nunbird, Monasa morphoeus
Swallow-winged puffbird, Chelidoptera tenebrosa
Order: Galbuliformes Family: Galbulidae
The jacamars are near passerine birds from tropical South America, with a range that extends up to Mexico. They feed on insects caught on the wing, and are glossy, elegant birds with long bills and tails. In appearance and behavior they resemble the Old World bee-eaters, although they are more closely related to puffbirds. Eight species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Brown jacamar, Brachygalba lugubris
Pale-headed jacamar, Brachygalba goeringi
Yellow-billed jacamar, Galbula albirostris
Rufous-tailed jacamar, Galbula ruficauda
Green-tailed jacamar, Galbula galbula
Bronzy jacamar, Galbula leucogastra
Paradise jacamar, Galbula dea
Great jacamar, Jacamerops aureus
Order: Piciformes Family: Capitonidae
The barbets are plump birds, with short necks and large heads. They get their name from the bristles which fringe their heavy bills. Most species are brightly colored. Three species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Black-spotted barbet, Capito niger
Gilded barbet, Capito auratus
Red-headed barbet, Eubucco bourcierii
Order: Piciformes Family: Ramphastidae
Toucans are near passerine birds from the Neotropics. They are brightly marked and have enormous, colorful bills which in some species amount to half their body length. Fifteen species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Emerald toucanet, Aulacorhynchus prasinus
Groove-billed toucanet, Aulacorhynchus sulcatus
Tepui toucanet, Aulacorhynchus whitelianus
Black-billed mountain-toucan, Andigena nigrirostris
Green aracari, Pteroglossus viridis
Collared aracari, Pteroglossus torquatus
Black-necked aracari, Pteroglossus aracari
Many-banded aracari, Pteroglossus pluricinctus
Ivory-billed aracari, Pteroglossus azara
Guianan toucanet, Selenidera culik
Tawny-tufted toucanet, Selenidera nattereri
Yellow-throated toucan, Ramphastos ambiguus
White-throated toucan, Ramphastos tucanus
Keel-billed toucan, Ramphastos sulfuratus
Channel-billed toucan, Ramphastos vitellinus
Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae
Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails, and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks. Twenty-seven species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Golden-spangled piculet, Picumnus exilis
Scaled piculet, Picumnus squamulatus
White-bellied piculet, Picumnus spilogaster
Olivaceous piculet, Picumnus olivaceus
Chestnut piculet, Picumnus cinnamomeus
Yellow-tufted woodpecker, Melanerpes cruentatus
Red-crowned woodpecker, Melanerpes rubricapillus
Smoky-brown woodpecker, Picoides fumigatus
Red-rumped woodpecker, Veniliornis kirkii
Golden-collared woodpecker, Veniliornis cassini
Little woodpecker, Veniliornis passerinus
Yellow-vented woodpecker, Veniliornis dignus
Red-stained woodpecker, Veniliornis affinis
Yellow-throated woodpecker, Piculus flavigula
Golden-green woodpecker, Piculus chrysochloros
Golden-olive woodpecker, Colaptes rubiginosus
Crimson-mantled woodpecker, Colaptes rivolii
Spot-breasted woodpecker, Colaptes punctigula
Ringed woodpecker, Celeus torquatus
Scale-breasted woodpecker, Celeus grammicus
Waved woodpecker, Celeus undatus
Cream-colored woodpecker, Celeus flavus
Chestnut woodpecker, Celeus elegans
Lineated woodpecker, Dryocopus lineatus
Powerful woodpecker, Campephilus pollens
Red-necked woodpecker, Campephilus rubricollis
Crimson-crested woodpecker, Campephilus melanoleucos
Falcons and caracaras
Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles, and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons. Sixteen species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Barred forest-falcon, Micrastur ruficollis
Lined forest-falcon, Micrastur gilvicollis
Slaty-backed forest-falcon, Micrastur mirandollei
Collared forest-falcon, Micrastur semitorquatus
Buckley's forest-falcon, Micrastur buckleyi (H)
Black caracara, Daptrius ater
Red-throated caracara, Ibycter americanus
Crested caracara, Caracara cheriway
Yellow-headed caracara, Milvago chimachima
Laughing falcon, Herpetotheres cachinnans
American kestrel, Falco sparverius
Aplomado falcon, Falco femoralis
Merlin, Falco columbarius
Bat falcon, Falco rufigularis
Orange-breasted falcon, Falco deiroleucus
Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittaculidae.
Rose-ringed parakeet, Psittacula krameri (I)
New World and African parrots
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae.
Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and they have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two to the back. Forty-seven species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Lilac-tailed parrotlet, Touit batavicus
Scarlet-shouldered parrotlet, Touit huetii
Blue-fronted parrotlet, Touit dilectissimus
Sapphire-rumped parrotlet, Touit purpuratus
Barred parakeet, Bolborhynchus lineola
Tepui parrotlet, Nannopsittaca panychlora
Orange-chinned parakeet, Brotogeris jugularis
Cobalt-winged parakeet, Brotogeris cyanoptera
Golden-winged parakeet, Brotogeris chrysoptera
Rusty-faced parrot, Hapalopsittaca amazonina
Saffron-headed parrot, Pyrilia pyrilia
Orange-cheeked parrot, Pyrilia barrabandi
Caica parrot, Pyrilia caica
Dusky parrot, Pionus fuscus
Red-billed parrot, Pionus sordidus
Speckle-faced parrot, Pionus tumultuosus
Blue-headed parrot, Pionus menstruus
Bronze-winged parrot, Pionus chalcopterus
Festive parrot, Amazona festiva
Red-lored parrot, Amazona autumnalis
Blue-cheeked parrot, Amazona dufresniana
Yellow-crowned parrot, Amazona ochrocephala
Yellow-shouldered parrot, Amazona barbadensis
Mealy parrot, Amazona farinosa
Orange-winged parrot, Amazona amazonica
Scaly-naped parrot, Amazona mercenarius
Green-rumped parrotlet, Forpus passerinus
Spectacled parrotlet, Forpus conspicillatus
Dusky-billed parrotlet, Forpus modestus
Black-headed parrot, Pionites melanocephalus
Red-fan parrot, Deroptyus accipitrinus
Painted parakeet, Pyrrhura picta
Fiery-shouldered parakeet, Pyrrhura egregia
Maroon-tailed parakeet, Pyrrhura melanura
Red-eared parakeet, Pyrrhura hoematotis (E)
Rose-headed parakeet, Pyrrhura rhodocephala (E)
Brown-throated parakeet, Eupsittula pertinax
Red-bellied macaw, Orthopsittaca manilatus
Blue-and-yellow macaw, Ara ararauna
Military macaw, Ara militaris
Scarlet macaw, Ara macao
Red-and-green macaw, Ara chloropterus
Chestnut-fronted macaw, Ara severus
Blue-crowned parakeet, Thectocercus acuticaudatus
Red-shouldered macaw, Diopsittaca nobilis
Scarlet-fronted parakeet, Psittacara wagleri
White-eyed parakeet, Psittacara leucophthalmus
Order: Passeriformes Family: Thamnophilidae
The antbirds are a large family of small passerine birds of subtropical and tropical Central and South America. They are forest birds which tend to feed on insects at or near the ground. A sizable minority of them specialize in following columns of army ants to eat small invertebrates that leave their hiding places to flee from the ants. Many species lack bright color; brown, black, and white being the dominant tones. Seventy-one species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Rufous-rumped antwren, Euchrepomis callinota
Ash-winged antwren, Euchrepomis spodioptila
Fasciated antshrike, Cymbilaimus lineatus
Black-throated antshrike, Frederickena viridis
Great antshrike, Taraba major
Black-crested antshrike, Sakesphorus canadensis
Barred antshrike, Thamnophilus doliatus
Bar-crested antshrike, Thamnophilus multistriatus
Black-crowned antshrike, Thamnophilus atrinucha
Mouse-colored antshrike, Thamnophilus murinus
Blackish-gray antshrike, Thamnophilus nigrocinereus
Northern slaty-antshrike, Thamnophilus punctatus
White-shouldered antshrike, Thamnophilus aethiops
Black-backed antshrike, Thamnophilus melanonotus
Amazonian antshrike, Thamnophilus amazonicus
Streak-backed antshrike, Thamnophilus insignis
Pearly antshrike, Megastictus margaritatus
Recurve-billed bushbird, Clytoctantes alixii
Russet antshrike, Thamnistes anabatinus
Plain antvireo, Dysithamnus mentalis
White-streaked antvireo, Dysithamnus leucostictus
Dusky-throated antshrike, Thamnomanes ardesiacus
Cinereous antshrike, Thamnomanes caesius
Rufous-bellied antwren, Isleria guttata
Spot-winged antshrike, Pygiptila stellaris
Brown-bellied antwren, Epinecrophylla gutturalis
Fulvous-throated antwren, Epinecrophylla pyrrhonota (This entry conforms to Clements; see note below)
Pygmy antwren, Myrmotherula brachyura
Yellow-throated antwren, Myrmotherula ambigua
Guianan streaked-antwren, Myrmotherula surinamensis
Amazonian streaked-antwren, Myrmotherula multostriata
Cherrie's antwren, Myrmotherula cherriei
White-flanked antwren, Myrmotherula axillaris
Slaty antwren, Myrmotherula schisticolor
Long-winged antwren, Myrmotherula longipennis
Plain-winged antwren, Myrmotherula behni
Gray antwren, Myrmotherula menetriesii
Banded antbird, Dichrozona cincta
Spot-tailed antwren, Herpsilochmus sticturus
Todd's antwren, Herpsilochmus stictocephalus
Spot-backed antwren, Herpsilochmus dorsimaculatus
Roraiman antwren, Herpsilochmus roraimae
Rufous-winged antwren, Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus
White-fringed antwren, Formicivora grisea
Klages's antbird, Drymophila klagesi
Guianan warbling-antbird, Hypocnemis cantator
Imeri warbling-antbird, Hypocnemis flavescens
Dusky antbird, Cercomacroides tyrannina
Gray antbird, Cercomacra cinerascens
Jet antbird, Cercomacra nigricans
White-browed antbird, Myrmoborus leucophrys
Black-faced antbird, Myrmoborus myotherinus
Black-chinned antbird, Hypocnemoides melanopogon
Silvered antbird, Sclateria naevia
Black-headed antbird, Percnostola rufifrons
Roraiman antbird, Myrmelastes saturatus
Brownish-headed antbird, Myrmelastes brunneiceps
Caura antbird, Myrmelastes caurensis
White-bellied antbird, Myrmeciza longipes
Magdalena antbird, Sipia palliata
Ferruginous-backed antbird, Myrmoderus ferrugineus
Blue-lored antbird, Hafferia immaculata
Yapacana antbird, Aprositornis disjuncta
Black-throated antbird, Myrmophylax atrothorax
Gray-bellied antbird, Ammonastes pelzelni
Wing-banded antbird, Myrmornis torquata
White-plumed antbird, Pithys albifrons
Rufous-throated antbird, Gymnopithys rufigula
Spot-backed antbird, Hylophylax naevius
Dot-backed antbird, Hylophylax punctulatus
Common scale-backed antbird, Willisornis poecilinotus
Reddish-winged bare-eye, Phlegopsis erythroptera
Order: Passeriformes Family: Grallariidae
Antpittas resemble the true pittas with strong, longish legs, very short tails, and stout bills. Seventeen species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Undulated antpitta, Grallaria squamigera
Great antpitta, Grallaria excelsa (E)
Variegated antpitta, Grallaria varia
Scaled antpitta, Grallaria guatimalensis
Tachira antpitta, Grallaria chthonia (E)
Plain-backed antpitta, Grallaria haplonota
Chestnut-crowned antpitta, Grallaria ruficapilla
Gray-naped antpitta, Grallaria griseonucha (E)
Rufous antpitta, Grallaria rufula
Spotted antpitta, Hylopezus macularius
Thrush-like antpitta, Myrmothera campanisona
Tepui antpitta, Myrmothera simplex
Rusty-breasted antpitta, Grallaricula ferrugineipectus
Scallop-breasted antpitta, Grallaricula loricata (E)
Hooded antpitta, Grallaricula cucullata
Slate-crowned antpitta, Grallaricula nana
Sucre antpitta, Grallaricula cumanensis
Order: Passeriformes Family: Rhinocryptidae
The tapaculos are small suboscine passeriform birds with numerous species in South and Central America. They are terrestrial species that fly only poorly on their short wings. They have strong legs, well-suited to their habitat of grassland or forest undergrowth. The tail is cocked and pointed towards the head. Seven species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Blackish tapaculo, Scytalopus latrans
White-crowned tapaculo, Scytalopus atratus
Perija tapaculo, Scytalopus perijanus
Merida tapaculo, Scytalopus meridanus (E)
Caracas tapaculo, Scytalopus caracae (E)
Pale-bellied tapaculo, Scytalopus griseicollis
Ocellated tapaculo, Acropternis orthonyx
Order: Passeriformes Family: Formicariidae
Rufous-capped antthrush, Formicarius colma
Black-faced antthrush, Formicarius analis
Rufous-breasted antthrush, Formicarius rufipectus
Short-tailed antthrush, Chamaeza campanisona
Schwartz's antthrush, Chamaeza turdina
Ovenbirds and woodcreepers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Furnariidae
Ovenbirds comprise a large family of small sub-oscine passerine bird species found in Central and South America. They are a diverse group of insectivores which gets its name from the elaborate "oven-like" clay nests built by some species, although others build stick nests or nest in tunnels or clefts in rock. The woodcreepers are brownish birds which maintain an upright vertical posture, supported by their stiff tail vanes. They feed mainly on insects taken from tree trunks. Eighty-seven species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Tawny-throated leaftosser, Sclerurus mexicanus
Short-billed leaftosser, Sclerurus rufigularis
Black-tailed leaftosser, Sclerurus caudacutus
Gray-throated leaftosser, Sclerurus albigularis
Spot-throated woodcreeper, Certhiasomus stictolaemus
Olivaceous woodcreeper, Sittasomus griseicapillus
Long-tailed woodcreeper, Deconychura longicauda
Tyrannine woodcreeper, Dendrocincla tyrannina
White-chinned woodcreeper, Dendrocincla merula
Ruddy woodcreeper, Dendrocincla homochroa
Plain-brown woodcreeper, Dendrocincla fuliginosa
Wedge-billed woodcreeper, Glyphorynchus spirurus
Cinnamon-throated woodcreeper, Dendrexetastes rufigula
Long-billed woodcreeper, Nasica longirostris
Northern barred-woodcreeper, Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae
Amazonian barred-woodcreeper, Dendrocolaptes certhia
Black-banded woodcreeper, Dendrocolaptes picumnus
Red-billed woodcreeper, Hylexetastes perrotii
Strong-billed woodcreeper, Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus
Striped woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus obsoletus
Chestnut-rumped woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus pardalotus
Ocellated woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus ocellatus
Cocoa woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus susurrans
Buff-throated woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus guttatus
Olive-backed woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus triangularis
Straight-billed woodcreeper, Dendroplex picus
Red-billed scythebill, Campylorhamphus trochilirostris
Curve-billed scythebill, Campylorhamphus procurvoides
Brown-billed scythebill, Campylorhamphus pusillus
Streak-headed woodcreeper, Lepidocolaptes souleyetii
Montane woodcreeper, Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger
Duida woodcreeper, Lepidocolaptes duidae
Guianan woodcreeper, Lepidocolaptes albolineatus
Slender-billed xenops, Xenops tenuirostris
Plain xenops, Xenops minutus
Streaked xenops, Xenops rutilans
Point-tailed palmcreeper, Berlepschia rikeri
Rufous-tailed xenops, Microxenops milleri
Streaked tuftedcheek, Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii
Rusty-winged barbtail, Premnornis guttuliger
Pale-legged hornero, Furnarius leucopus
Sharp-tailed streamcreeper, Lochmias nematura
Chestnut-winged cinclodes, Cinclodes albidiventris
Chestnut-winged foliage-gleaner, Philydor erythropterum
Buff-fronted foliage-gleaner, Philydor rufum
Cinnamon-rumped foliage-gleaner, Philydor pyrrhodes
Montane foliage-gleaner, Anabacerthia striaticollis
Rufous-tailed foliage-gleaner, Anabacerthia ruficaudata
Guttulate foliage-gleaner, Syndactyla guttulata (E)
Lineated foliage-gleaner, Syndactyla subalaris
White-throated foliage-gleaner, Syndactyla roraimae
Ruddy foliage-gleaner, Clibanornis rubiginosus
Flammulated treehunter, Thripadectes flammulatus
Striped treehunter, Thripadectes holostictus
Streak-capped treehunter, Thripadectes virgaticeps
Chestnut-crowned foliage-gleaner, Automolus rufipileatus
Buff-throated foliage-gleaner, Automolus ochrolaemus
Striped woodhaunter, Automolus subulatus
Olive-backed foliage-gleaner, Automolus infuscatus
Spotted barbtail, Premnoplex brunnescens
White-throated barbtail, Premnoplex tatei (E)
Pearled treerunner, Margarornis squamiger
Andean tit-spinetail, Leptasthenura andicola
Rufous-fronted thornbird, Phacellodomus rufifrons
White-browed spinetail, Hellmayrea gularis
Streak-backed canastero, Asthenes wyatti
Ochre-browed thistletail, Asthenes coryi (E)
Perija thistletail, Asthenes perijana
White-chinned thistletail, Asthenes fuliginosa
Roraiman barbtail, Roraimia adusta
Orinoco softtail, Thripophaga cherriei (E)
Delta Amacuro softtail, Thripophaga amacurensis (E)
Rusty-backed spinetail, Cranioleuca vulpina
Crested spinetail, Cranioleuca subcristata
Tepui spinetail, Cranioleuca demissa
Streak-capped spinetail, Cranioleuca hellmayri
Speckled spinetail, Cranioleuca gutturata
Yellow-chinned spinetail, Certhiaxis cinnamomeus
Azara's spinetail, Synallaxis azarae
Pale-breasted spinetail, Synallaxis albescens
Rio Orinoco spinetail, Synallaxis beverlyae (E)
Ruddy spinetail, Synallaxis rutilans
Rufous spinetail, Synallaxis unirufa
Black-throated spinetail, Synallaxis castanea (E)
McConnell's spinetail, Synallaxis macconnelli
Plain-crowned spinetail, Synallaxis gujanensis
White-whiskered spinetail, Synallaxis candei
Stripe-breasted spinetail, Synallaxis cinnamomea
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tyrannidae
Tyrant flycatchers are passerine birds which occur throughout North and South America. They superficially resemble the Old World flycatchers, but are more robust and have stronger bills. They do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of the songbirds. Most, but not all, have plain coloring. As the name implies, most are insectivorous. One hundred sixty-six species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Brown-capped tyrannulet, Ornithion brunneicapillus
White-lored tyrannulet, Ornithion inerme
Southern beardless-tyrannulet, Camptostoma obsoletum
White-banded tyrannulet, Mecocerculus stictopterus
White-throated tyrannulet, Mecocerculus leucophrys
Sulphur-bellied tyrannulet, Mecocerculus minor
Agile tit-tyrant, Uromyias agilis
Mouse-colored tyrannulet, Phaeomyias murina
Yellow tyrannulet, Capsiempis flaveola
Bearded tachuri, Polystictus pectoralis
Crested doradito, Pseudocolopteryx sclateri
Yellow-crowned tyrannulet, Tyrannulus elatus
Forest elaenia, Myiopagis gaimardii
Gray elaenia, Myiopagis caniceps
Foothill elaenia, Myiopagis olallai
Yellow-crowned elaenia, Myiopagis flavivertex
Greenish elaenia, Myiopagis viridicata
Yellow-bellied elaenia, Elaenia flavogaster
Small-billed elaenia, Elaenia parvirostris
Slaty elaenia, Elaenia strepera
Plain-crested elaenia, Elaenia cristata
Lesser elaenia, Elaenia chiriquensis
Rufous-crowned elaenia, Elaenia ruficeps
Mountain elaenia, Elaenia frantzii
Great elaenia, Elaenia dayi
Sierran elaenia, Elaenia pallatangae
Torrent tyrannulet, Serpophaga cinerea
River tyrannulet, Serpophaga hypoleuca
Olive-striped flycatcher, Mionectes olivaceus
Ochre-bellied flycatcher, Mionectes oleagineus
McConnell's flycatcher, Mionectes macconnelli
Sepia-capped flycatcher, Leptopogon amaurocephalus
Slaty-capped flycatcher, Leptopogon superciliaris
Rufous-breasted flycatcher, Leptopogon rufipectus
Variegated bristle-tyrant, Phylloscartes poecilotis
Chapman's bristle-tyrant, Phylloscartes chapmani
Marble-faced bristle-tyrant, Phylloscartes ophthalmicus
Venezuelan bristle-tyrant, Phylloscartes venezuelanus (E)
Olive-green tyrannulet, Phylloscartes virescens (H)
Black-fronted tyrannulet, Phylloscartes nigrifrons
Rufous-browed tyrannulet, Phylloscartes superciliaris
Rufous-lored tyrannulet, Phylloscartes flaviventris (E)
Rough-legged tyrannulet, Phyllomyias burmeisteri
Urich's tyrannulet, Phyllomyias urichi (E)
Sooty-headed tyrannulet, Phyllomyias griseiceps
Black-capped tyrannulet, Phyllomyias nigrocapillus
Ashy-headed tyrannulet, Phyllomyias cinereiceps
Tawny-rumped tyrannulet, Phyllomyias uropygialis
Paltry tyrannulet, Zimmerius vilissimus
Slender-footed tyrannulet, Zimmerius gracilipes
Guianan tyrannulet, Zimmerius acer
Golden-faced tyrannulet, Zimmerius chrysops
Northern scrub-flycatcher, Sublegatus arenarum
Amazonian scrub-flycatcher, Sublegatus obscurior
Slender-billed tyrannulet, Inezia tenuirostris
Amazonian tyrannulet, Inezia subflava
Pale-tipped tyrannulet, Inezia caudata
Ringed Antpipit, Corythopis torquatus
Tawny-crowned pygmy-tyrant, Euscarthmus meloryphus
Lesser wagtail-tyrant, Stigmatura napensis
Short-tailed pygmy-tyrant, Myiornis ecaudatus
Scale-crested pygmy-tyrant, Lophotriccus pileatus
Helmeted pygmy-tyrant, Lophotriccus galeatus
Pale-eyed pygmy-tyrant, Atalotriccus pilaris
Snethlage's tody-tyrant, Hemitriccus minor
White-eyed tody-tyrant, Hemitriccus zosterops
Pearly-vented tody-tyrant, Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer
Black-throated tody-tyrant, Hemitriccus granadensis
Rufous-crowned tody-flycatcher, Poecilotriccus ruficeps
Ruddy tody-flycatcher, Poecilotriccus russatus
Smoky-fronted tody-flycatcher, Poecilotriccus fumifrons
Slate-headed tody-flycatcher, Poecilotriccus sylvia
Black-chested tyrant, Taeniotriccus andrei
Spotted tody-flycatcher, Todirostrum maculatum
Common tody-flycatcher, Todirostrum cinereum
Maracaibo tody-flycatcher, Todirostrum viridanum (E)
Black-headed tody-flycatcher, Todirostrum nigriceps
Painted tody-flycatcher, Todirostrum pictum
Olivaceous flatbill, Rhynchocyclus olivaceus
Fulvous-breasted flatbill, Rhynchocyclus fulvipectus
Yellow-olive flycatcher, Tolmomyias sulphurescens
Yellow-margined flycatcher, Tolmomyias assimilis
Gray-crowned flycatcher, Tolmomyias poliocephalus
Yellow-breasted flycatcher, Tolmomyias flaviventris
Cinnamon-crested spadebill, Platyrinchus saturatus
White-throated spadebill, Platyrinchus mystaceus
Golden-crowned spadebill, Platyrinchus coronatus
Yellow-throated spadebill, Platyrinchus flavigularis
White-crested spadebill, Platyrinchus platyrhynchos
Royal flycatcher, Onychorhynchus coronatus
Ruddy-tailed flycatcher, Terenotriccus erythrurus
Cinnamon manakin-tyrant, Neopipo cinnamomea
Cinnamon flycatcher, Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus
Cliff flycatcher, Hirundinea ferruginea
Tawny-breasted flycatcher, Myiobius villosus
Whiskered flycatcher, Myiobius barbatus (The SACC calls M. barbatus Sulphur-rumped flycatcher.)
Black-tailed flycatcher, Myiobius atricaudus
Flavescent flycatcher, Myiophobus flavicans
Roraiman flycatcher, Myiophobus roraimae
Bran-colored flycatcher, Myiophobus fasciatus
Euler's flycatcher, Lathrotriccus euleri
Olive-sided flycatcher, Contopus cooperi
Smoke-colored pewee, Contopus fumigatus
Western wood-pewee, Contopus sordidulus
Eastern wood-pewee, Contopus virens
Tropical pewee, Contopus cinereus
Fuscous flycatcher, Cnemotriccus fuscatus
Acadian flycatcher, Empidonax virescens
Alder flycatcher, Empidonax alnorum
Willow flycatcher, Empidonax traillii
Black phoebe, Sayornis nigricans
Vermilion flycatcher, Pyrocephalus rubinus
Riverside tyrant, Knipolegus orenocensis
Rufous-tailed tyrant, Knipolegus poecilurus
Amazonian black-tyrant, Knipolegus poecilocercus
Drab water tyrant, Ochthornis littoralis
Yellow-browed tyrant, Satrapa icterophrys
Streak-throated bush-tyrant, Myiotheretes striaticollis
Smoky bush-tyrant, Myiotheretes fumigatus
Pied water-tyrant, Fluvicola pica
White-headed marsh tyrant, Arundinicola leucocephala
Yellow-bellied chat-tyrant, Ochthoeca diadema
Slaty-backed chat-tyrant, Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris
Rufous-breasted chat-tyrant, Ochthoeca rufipectoralis
Brown-backed chat-tyrant, Ochthoeca fumicolor
Long-tailed tyrant, Colonia colonus
Cattle tyrant, Machetornis rixosa
Large-headed flatbill, Ramphotrigon megacephalum
Rufous-tailed flatbill, Ramphotrigon ruficauda
Rufous-tailed attila, Attila phoenicurus
Cinnamon attila, Attila cinnamomeus
Citron-bellied attila, Attila citriniventris
Bright-rumped attila, Attila spadiceus
White-rumped sirystes, Sirystes albocinereus
Grayish mourner, Rhytipterna simplex
Pale-bellied mourner, Rhytipterna immunda
Dusky-capped flycatcher, Myiarchus tuberculifer
Swainson's flycatcher, Myiarchus swainsoni
Venezuelan flycatcher, Myiarchus venezuelensis
Panama flycatcher, Myiarchus panamensis
Short-crested flycatcher, Myiarchus ferox
Pale-edged flycatcher, Myiarchus cephalotes
Great crested flycatcher, Myiarchus crinitus
Brown-crested flycatcher, Myiarchus tyrannulus
Lesser kiskadee, Pitangus lictor
Great kiskadee, Pitangus sulphuratus
Boat-billed flycatcher, Megarynchus pitangua
Rusty-margined flycatcher, Myiozetetes cayanensis
Social flycatcher, Myiozetetes similis
Gray-capped flycatcher, Myiozetetes granadensis
Dusky-chested flycatcher, Myiozetetes luteiventris
White-bearded flycatcher, Phelpsia inornata
Yellow-throated flycatcher, Conopias parvus
Three-striped flycatcher, Conopias trivirgatus
Lemon-browed flycatcher, Conopias cinchoneti
Golden-crowned flycatcher, Myiodynastes chrysocephalus
Streaked flycatcher, Myiodynastes maculatus
Piratic flycatcher, Legatus leucophaius
Variegated flycatcher, Empidonomus varius
Crowned slaty flycatcher, Griseotyrannus aurantioatrocristatus
Sulphury flycatcher, Tyrannopsis sulphurea
White-throated kingbird, Tyrannus albogularis
Tropical kingbird, Tyrannus melancholicus
Eastern kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus
Gray kingbird, Tyrannus dominicensis
Fork-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus savana
Order: Passeriformes Family: Oxyruncidae
Sharpbill, Oxyruncus cristatus
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cotingidae
The cotingas are birds of forests or forest edges in tropical South America. Comparatively little is known about this diverse group, although all have broad bills with hooked tips, rounded wings, and strong legs. The males of many of the species are brightly colored, or decorated with plumes or wattles. Twenty-five species have been recorded in Venezuela
Green-and-black fruiteater, Pipreola riefferii
Barred fruiteater, Pipreola arcuata
Golden-breasted fruiteater, Pipreola aureopectus
Handsome fruiteater, Pipreola formosa (E)
Red-banded fruiteater, Pipreola whitelyi
Scaled fruiteater, Ampelioides tschudii
Red-crested cotinga, Ampelion rubrocristata
Guianan red-cotinga, Phoenicircus carnifex
Black-necked red-cotinga, Phoenicircus nigricollis
Guianan cock-of-the-rock, Rupicola rupicola
Andean cock-of-the-rock, Rupicola peruviana
Crimson fruitcrow, Haematoderus militaris (H)
Purple-throated fruitcrow, Querula purpurata
Red-ruffed fruitcrow, Pyroderus scutatus
Amazonian umbrellabird, Cephalopterus ornatus
Capuchinbird, Perissocephalus tricolor
Blue cotinga, Cotinga nattererii
Purple-breasted cotinga, Cotinga cotinga
Spangled cotinga, Cotinga cayana
Screaming piha, Lipaugus vociferans
Rose-collared piha, Lipaugus streptophorus
White bellbird, Procnias alba
Bearded bellbird, Procnias averano
Pompadour cotinga, Xipholena punicea
Bare-necked fruitcrow, Gymnoderus foetidus
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pipridae
The manakins are a family of subtropical and tropical mainland Central and South America, and Trinidad and Tobago. They are compact forest birds, the males typically being brightly colored, although the females of most species are duller and usually green-plumaged. Manakins feed on small fruits, berries and insects. Twenty-two species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Dwarf tyrant-manakin, Tyranneutes stolzmanni
Tiny tyrant-manakin, Tyranneutes virescens
Saffron-crested tyrant-manakin, Neopelma chrysocephalum
Lance-tailed manakin, Chiroxiphia lanceolata
Blue-backed manakin, Chiroxiphia pareola
Golden-winged manakin, Masius chrysopterus
White-bibbed manakin, Corapipo leucorrhoa
White-throated manakin, Corapipo gutturalis
Olive manakin, Xenopipo uniformis
Black manakin, Xenopipo atronitens
Blue-crowned manakin, Lepidothrix coronata
Orange-bellied manakin, Lepidothrix suavissima
Yellow-crowned manakin, Heterocercus flavivertex
White-bearded manakin, Manacus manacus
Crimson-hooded manakin, Pipra aureola
Wire-tailed manakin, Pipra filicauda
Striped manakin, Machaeropterus regulus
Fiery-capped manakin, Machaeropterus pyrocephalus
White-crowned manakin, Dixiphia pipra
Scarlet-horned manakin, Ceratopipra cornuta
Golden-headed manakin, Ceratopipra erythrocephala
Wing-barred piprites, Piprites chloris (considered incertae sedis by the SACC)
Tityras and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tityridae
Twenty-three species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Black-crowned tityra, Tityra inquisitor
Masked tityra, Tityra semifasciata
Varzea schiffornis, Schiffornis major
Olivaceous schiffornis, Schiffornis olivacea
Russet-winged schiffornis, Schiffornis stenorhyncha
Brown-winged schiffornis, Schiffornis turdina
Cinereous mourner, Laniocera hypopyrra
White-browed purpletuft, Iodopleura isabellae
Dusky purpletuft, Iodopleura fusca
Shrike-like cotinga, Laniisoma elegans
White-naped xenopsaris, Xenopsaris albinucha
Green-backed becard, Pachyramphus viridis
Barred becard, Pachyramphus versicolor
Cinereous becard, Pachyramphus rufus
Cinnamon becard, Pachyramphus cinnamomeus
Chestnut-crowned becard, Pachyramphus castaneus
White-winged becard, Pachyramphus polychopterus
Black-and-white becard, Pachyramphus albogriseus
Black-tailed tityra, Tityra cayana
Black-capped becard, Pachyramphus marginatus
Glossy-backed becard, Pachyramphus surinamus
One-colored becard, Pachyramphus homochrous
Pink-throated becard, Pachyramphus minor
Order: Passeriformes Family: Vireonidae
The vireos are a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World. They are typically greenish in color and resemble wood warblers apart from their heavier bills. Nineteen species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Rufous-browed peppershrike, Cyclarhis gujanensis
Ashy-headed greenlet, Hylophilus pectoralis
Scrub greenlet, Hylophilus flavipes
Gray-chested greenlet, Hylophilus semicinereus
Brown-headed greenlet, Hylophilus brunneiceps
Lemon-chested greenlet, Hylophilus thoracicus
Yellow-browed shrike-vireo, Vireolanius eximius
Slaty-capped shrike-vireo, Vireolanius leucotis
Tawny-crowned greenlet, Tunchiornis ochraceiceps
Dusky-capped greenlet, Pachysylvia hypoxantha
Buff-cheeked greenlet, Pachysylvia muscicapina
Golden-fronted greenlet, Pachysylvia aurantiifrons
Rufous-naped greenlet, Pachysylvia semibrunnea
Yellow-throated vireo, Vireo flavifrons
Tepui vireo, Vireo sclateri
Brown-capped vireo, Vireo leucophrys
Red-eyed vireo, Vireo olivaceus
Yellow-green vireo, Vireo flavoviridis
Black-whiskered vireo, Vireo altiloquus
Crows, jays, and magpies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence. Six species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Black-collared jay, Cyanolyca armillata
Black-chested jay, Cyanocorax affinis
Green jay, Cyanocorax yncas
Violaceous jay, Cyanocorax violaceus
Cayenne jay, Cyanocorax cayanus
Azure-naped jay, Cyanocorax heilprini
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. Nineteen species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Blue-and-white swallow, Pygochelidon cyanoleuca
Black-collared swallow, Pygochelidon melanoleuca
Tawny-headed swallow, Alopochelidon fucata
Pale-footed swallow, Orochelidon flavipes
Brown-bellied swallow, Orochelidon murina
White-thighed swallow, Atticora tibialis
White-banded swallow, Atticora fasciata
Southern rough-winged swallow, Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
Purple martin, Progne subis
Caribbean martin, Progne dominicensis (A)
Gray-breasted martin, Progne chalybea
Southern martin, Progne elegans (H)
Brown-chested martin, Progne tapera
Tree swallow, Tachycineta bicolor (H)
White-winged swallow, Tachycineta albiventer
Bank swallow, Riparia riparia
Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
Cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Cave swallow, Petrochelidon fulva (A)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Troglodytidae
The wrens are mainly small and inconspicuous except for their loud songs. These birds have short wings and thin down-turned bills. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous. Nineteen species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Scaly-breasted wren, Microcerculus marginatus
Flutist wren, Microcerculus ustulatus
Wing-banded wren, Microcerculus bambla
House wren, Troglodytes aedon
Mountain wren, Troglodytes solstitialis
Tepui wren, Troglodytes rufulus
Sedge wren, Cistothorus platensis
Merida wren, Cistothorus meridae (E)
Stripe-backed wren, Campylorhynchus nuchalis
Bicolored wren, Campylorhynchus griseus
Whiskered wren, Pheugopedius mystacalis
Coraya wren, Pheugopedius coraya
Rufous-breasted wren, Pheugopedius rutilus
Rufous-and-white wren, Thryophilus rufalbus
Buff-breasted wren, Cantorchilus leucotis
Rufous wren, Cinnycerthia unirufa
White-breasted wood-wren, Henicorhina leucosticta
Gray-breasted wood-wren, Henicorhina leucophrys
Musician wren, Cyphorhinus arada
Order: Passeriformes Family: Polioptilidae
These dainty birds resemble Old World warblers in their build and habits, moving restlessly through the foliage seeking insects. The gnatcatchers and gnatwrens are mainly soft bluish gray in color and have the typical insectivore's long sharp bill. They are birds of fairly open woodland or scrub, which nest in bushes or trees. Four species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Collared gnatwren, Microbates collaris
Long-billed gnatwren, Ramphocaenus melanurus
Tropical gnatcatcher, Polioptila plumbea
Guianan gnatcatcher, Polioptila guianensis
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cinclidae
Dippers are a group of perching birds whose habitat includes aquatic environments in the Americas, Europe and Asia. They are named for their bobbing or dipping movements. One species has been recorded in Venezuela.
White-capped dipper, Cinclus leucocephalus
Order: Passeriformes Family: Donacobiidae
Black-capped donacobius, Donacobius atricapilla
Thrushes and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs. Twenty species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Andean solitaire, Myadestes ralloides
Orange-billed nightingale-thrush, Catharus aurantiirostris
Slaty-backed nightingale-thrush, Catharus fuscater
Spotted nightingale-thrush, Catharus dryas
Veery, Catharus fuscescens
Gray-cheeked thrush, Catharus minimus
Swainson's thrush, Catharus ustulatus
Rufous-brown solitaire, Cichlopsis leucogenys
Pale-eyed thrush, Turdus leucops
Yellow-legged thrush, Turdus flavipes
Pale-breasted thrush, Turdus leucomelas
Cocoa thrush, Turdus fumigatus
Spectacled thrush, Turdus nudigenis
Lawrence's thrush, Turdus lawrencii
Black-billed thrush, Turdus ignobilis
Chestnut-bellied thrush, Turdus fulviventris
Black-hooded thrush, Turdus olivater
Great thrush, Turdus fuscater
Glossy-black thrush, Turdus serranus
White-necked thrush, Turdus albicollis
Mockingbirds and thrashers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Mimidae
The mimids are a family of passerine birds that includes thrashers, mockingbirds, tremblers, and the New World catbirds. These birds are notable for their vocalizations, especially their ability to mimic a wide variety of birds and other sounds heard outdoors. Their coloring tends towards dull-grays and browns. Two species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Pearly-eyed thrasher, Margarops fuscatus (extirpated)
Tropical mockingbird, Mimus gilvus
Wagtails and pipits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws, and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country. Two species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Yellowish pipit, Anthus lutescens
Paramo pipit, Anthus bogotensis
Order: Passeriformes Family: Bombycillidae
The waxwings are a group of birds with soft silky plumage and unique red tips to some of the wing feathers. In the Bohemian and cedar waxwings, these tips look like sealing wax and give the group its name. These are arboreal birds of northern forests. They live on insects in summer and berries in winter. One species has been recorded in Venezuela.
Cedar waxwing, Bombycilla cedrorum (A)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Parulidae
The New World warblers are a group of small, often colorful, passerine birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal, but some are terrestrial. Most members of this family are insectivores. Forty-nine species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Ovenbird, Seiurus aurocapilla
Worm-eating warbler, Helmitheros vermivorum (A)
Louisiana waterthrush, Parkesia motacilla
Northern waterthrush, Parkesia noveboracensis
Golden-winged warbler, Vermivora chrysoptera
Blue-winged warbler, Vermivora cyanoptera (H)
Black-and-white warbler, Mniotilta varia
Prothonotary warbler, Protonotaria citrea
Tennessee warbler, Oreothlypis peregrina
Connecticut warbler, Oporornis agilis
Masked yellowthroat, Geothlypis aequinoctialis
Mourning warbler, Geothlypis philadelphia
Kentucky warbler, Geothlypis formosa (A)
Common yellowthroat, Geothlypis trichas (A)
Hooded warbler, Setophaga citrina (A)
American redstart, Setophaga ruticilla
Cape May warbler, Setophaga tigrina
Cerulean warbler, Setophaga cerulea
Northern parula, Setophaga americana (A)
Tropical parula, Setophaga pitiayumi
Magnolia warbler, Setophaga magnolia (A)
Bay-breasted warbler, Setophaga castanea
Blackburnian warbler, Setophaga fusca
Yellow warbler, Setophaga petechia
Chestnut-sided warbler, Setophaga pensylvanica
Blackpoll warbler, Setophaga striata
Black-throated blue warbler, Setophaga caerulescens
Palm warbler, Setophaga palmarum (A)
Yellow-rumped warbler, Setophaga coronata (A)
Black-throated green warbler, Setophaga virens
Rufous-capped warbler, Basileuterus rufifrons
Golden-crowned warbler, Basileuterus culicivorus
Three-striped warbler, Basileuterus tristriatus
Gray-headed warbler, Basileuterus griseiceps (E)
Citrine warbler, Myiothlypis luteoviridis
Flavescent warbler, Myiothlypis flaveola
Black-crested warbler, Myiothlypis nigrocristata
Riverbank warbler, Myiothlypis rivularis
Two-banded warbler, Myiothlypis bivittata
Gray-throated warbler, Myiothlypis cinereicollis
Russet-crowned warbler, Myiothlypis coronata
Canada warbler, Cardellina canadensis
Slate-throated redstart, Myioborus miniatus
Tepui redstart, Myioborus castaneocapilla
Paria redstart, Myioborus pariae (E)
Saffron-breasted redstart, Myioborus cardonai (E)
White-faced redstart, Myioborus albifacies (E)
Golden-fronted redstart, Myioborus ornatus
White-fronted redstart, Myioborus albifrons (E)
Tanagers and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Thraupidae
The tanagers are a large group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World, mainly in the tropics. Many species are brightly colored. They are seed eaters, but their preference tends towards fruit and nectar. Most have short, rounded wings. One hundred twenty-seven species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Masked cardinal, Paroaria nigrogenis
Red-capped cardinal, Paroaria gularis
Black-faced tanager, Schistochlamys melanopis
Magpie tanager, Cissopis leverianus
White-capped tanager, Sericossypha albocristata
Hooded tanager, Nemosia pileata
Rufous-crested tanager, Creurgops verticalis
Black-capped hemispingus, Hemispingus atropileus
Superciliaried hemispingus, Hemispingus superciliaris
Gray-capped hemispingus, Hemispingus reyi (E)
Oleaginous hemispingus, Hemispingus frontalis
Black-eared hemispingus, Hemispingus melanotis
Slaty-backed hemispingus, Hemispingus goeringi (E)
Black-headed hemispingus, Hemispingus verticalis
Gray-hooded bush tanager, Cnemoscopus rubrirostris
Fulvous-headed tanager, Thlypopsis fulviceps
Orange-headed tanager, Thlypopsis sordida
Gray-headed tanager, Eucometis penicillata
Flame-crested tanager, Tachyphonus cristatus
Fulvous-crested tanager, Tachyphonus surinamus
White-shouldered tanager, Tachyphonus luctuosus
White-lined tanager, Tachyphonus rufus
Red-shouldered tanager, Tachyphonus phoenicius
Fulvous shrike-tanager, Lanio fulvus
Crimson-collared tanager, Ramphocelus sanguinolentus
Silver-beaked tanager, Ramphocelus carbo
Crimson-backed tanager, Ramphocelus dimidiatus
Blue-backed tanager, Cyanicterus cyanicterus
Hooded mountain-tanager, Buthraupis montana
Black-chested mountain-tanager, Cnemathraupis eximia
Lacrimose mountain-tanager, Anisognathus lacrymosus
Scarlet-bellied mountain-tanager, Anisognathus igniventris
Blue-winged mountain-tanager, Anisognathus somptuosus
Buff-breasted mountain-tanager, Dubusia taeniata
Golden-crowned tanager, Iridosornis rufivertex
Fawn-breasted tanager, Pipraeidea melanonota
Orange-eared tanager, Chlorochrysa calliparaea
Blue-gray tanager, Thraupis episcopus
Glaucous tanager, Thraupis glaucocolpa
Palm tanager, Thraupis palmarum
Blue-capped tanager, Thraupis cyanocephala
Black-headed tanager, Tangara cyanoptera
Black-capped tanager, Tangara heinei
Burnished-buff tanager, Tangara cayana
Masked tanager, Tangara nigrocincta
Blue-necked tanager, Tangara cyanicollis
Dotted tanager, Tangara varia
Speckled tanager, Tangara guttata
Yellow-bellied tanager, Tangara xanthogastra
Spotted tanager, Tangara punctata
Blue-and-black tanager, Tangara vassorii
Beryl-spangled tanager, Tangara nigroviridis
Turquoise tanager, Tangara mexicana
Paradise tanager, Tangara chilensis
Opal-rumped tanager, Tangara velia
Bay-headed tanager, Tangara gyrola
Rufous-cheeked tanager, Tangara rufigenis (E)
Saffron-crowned tanager, Tangara xanthocephala
Flame-faced tanager, Tangara parzudakii
Green-and-gold tanager, Tangara schrankii
Golden tanager, Tangara arthus
Swallow tanager, Tersina viridis
White-bellied dacnis, Dacnis albiventris
Black-faced dacnis, Dacnis lineata
Yellow-bellied dacnis, Dacnis flaviventer
Blue dacnis, Dacnis cayana
Short-billed honeycreeper, Cyanerpes nitidus
Purple honeycreeper, Cyanerpes caeruleus
Red-legged honeycreeper, Cyanerpes cyaneus
Green honeycreeper, Chlorophanes spiza
Guira tanager, Hemithraupis guira
Yellow-backed tanager, Hemithraupis flavicollis
Chestnut-vented conebill, Conirostrum speciosum
White-eared conebill, Conirostrum leucogenys
Bicolored conebill, Conirostrum bicolor
Blue-backed conebill, Conirostrum sitticolor
Capped conebill, Conirostrum albifrons
Rufous-browed conebill, Conirostrum rufum
Glossy flowerpiercer, Diglossa lafresnayii
Merida flowerpiercer, Diglossa gloriosa (E)
Black flowerpiercer, Diglossa humeralis
Venezuelan flowerpiercer, Diglossa venezuelensis (E)
White-sided flowerpiercer, Diglossa albilatera
Scaled flowerpiercer, Diglossa duidae
Greater flowerpiercer, Diglossa major
Rusty flowerpiercer, Diglossa sittoides
Bluish flowerpiercer, Diglossa caerulescens
Masked flowerpiercer, Diglossa cyanea
Plushcap, Catamblyrhynchus diadema
Plumbeous sierra-finch, Phrygilus unicolor
Slaty finch, Haplospiza rustica
Stripe-tailed yellow-finch, Sicalis citrina
Orange-fronted yellow-finch, Sicalis columbiana
Saffron finch, Sicalis flaveola
Grassland yellow-finch, Sicalis luteola
Wedge-tailed grass-finch, Emberizoides herbicola
Duida grass-finch, Emberizoides duidae (E)
Blue-black grassquit, Volatinia jacarina
Lesson's seedeater, Sporophila bouvronides
Lined seedeater, Sporophila lineola
Chestnut-bellied seedeater, Sporophila castaneiventris
Ruddy-breasted seedeater, Sporophila minuta
Chestnut-bellied seed-finch, Sporophila angolensis
Great-billed seed-finch, Sporophila maximiliani
Large-billed seed-finch, Sporophila crassirostris
Gray seedeater, Sporophila intermedia
Wing-barred seedeater, Sporophila americana
White-naped seedeater, Sporophila fringilloides
Black-and-white seedeater, Sporophila luctuosa
Yellow-bellied seedeater, Sporophila nigricollis
Slate-colored seedeater, Sporophila schistacea
Plumbeous seedeater, Sporophila plumbea
Plain-colored seedeater, Catamenia inornata
Paramo seedeater, Catamenia homochroa
Pileated finch, Coryphospingus pileatus
Bananaquit, Coereba flaveola
Yellow-faced grassquit, Tiaris olivaceus
Dull-colored grassquit, Tiaris obscurus
Sooty grassquit, Tiaris fuliginosus
Black-faced grassquit, Tiaris bicolor
Olive-backed tanager, Mitrospingus oleagineus (considered incertae sedis by the SACC)
Rosy thrush-tanager, Rhodinocichla rosea (considered incertae sedis by the SACC)
Buff-throated saltator, Saltator maximus
Orinocan saltator, Saltator orenocensis
Grayish saltator, Saltator coerulescens
Streaked saltator, Saltator striatipectus
Slate-colored grosbeak, Saltator grossus
Buntings and New World sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Emberizidae
The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with distinctively shaped bills. In Europe, most species are called buntings. In North America, most of the species in this family are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns. Twenty-one species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Ashy-throated chlorospingus, Chlorospingus canigularis
Common chlorospingus, Chlorospingus flavopectus
Grassland sparrow, Ammodramus humeralis
Yellow-browed sparrow, Ammodramus aurifrons
Black-striped sparrow, Arremonops conirostris
Tocuyo sparrow, Arremonops tocuyensis
Perija brushfinch, Arremon perijanus
Caracas brushfinch, Arremon phygas (E)
Paria brushfinch, Arremon phygas (E)
Gray-browed brushfinch, Arremon assimilis
Golden-winged sparrow, Arremon schlegeli
Pectoral sparrow, Arremon taciturnus
Chestnut-capped brushfinch, Arremon brunneinucha
Rufous-collared sparrow, Zonotrichia capensis
Lincoln's sparrow, Melospiza lincolnii (A)
Moustached brushfinch, Atlapetes albofrenatus
Tepui brushfinch, Atlapetes personatus
Ochre-breasted brushfinch, Atlapetes semirufus
Slaty brushfinch, Atlapetes schistaceus
Pale-naped brushfinch, Atlapetes pallidinucha
Yellow-breasted brushfinch, Atlapetes latinuchus
Cardinals and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cardinalidae
The cardinals are a family of robust, seed-eating birds with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumages. Eighteen species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Hepatic tanager, Piranga flava
Summer tanager, Piranga rubra
Scarlet tanager, Piranga olivacea
White-winged tanager, Piranga leucoptera
Red-crowned ant-tanager, Habia rubica
Yellow-green grosbeak, Caryothraustes canadensis
Red-and-black grosbeak, Periporphyrus erythromelas
Vermilion cardinal, Cardinalis phoeniceus
Golden grosbeak, Pheucticus chrysogaster
Black-backed grosbeak, Pheucticus aureoventris
Rose-breasted grosbeak, Pheucticus ludovicianus
Rose-breasted chat, Granatellus pelzelni
Carrizal seedeater, Amaurospiza carrizalensis (E)
Blue-black grosbeak, Cyanocompsa cyanoides
Ultramarine grosbeak, Cyanocompsa brissonii
Blue grosbeak, Passerina caerulea (H)
Indigo bunting, Passerina cyanea (A)
Dickcissel, Spiza americana
Troupials and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Icteridae
The icterids are a group of small to medium-sized, often colorful, passerine birds restricted to the New World and include the grackles, New World blackbirds, and New World orioles. Most species have black as the predominant plumage color, often enlivened by yellow, orange, or red. Twenty-nine species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus
Eastern meadowlark, Sturnella magna
Red-breasted meadowlark, Sturnella militaris
Great-tailed grackle, Quiscalus mexicanus
Carib grackle, Quiscalus lugubris
Golden-tufted grackle, Macroagelaius imthurni
Oriole blackbird, Gymnomystax mexicanus
Velvet-fronted grackle, Lampropsar tanagrinus
Yellow-hooded blackbird, Chrysomus icterocephalus
Shiny cowbird, Molothrus bonariensis
Giant cowbird, Molothrus oryzivorus
Orchard oriole, Icterus spurius
Yellow-backed oriole, Icterus chrysater
Orange-crowned oriole, Icterus auricapillus
Yellow-tailed oriole, Icterus mesomelas
Epaulet oriole, Icterus cayanensis
Venezuelan troupial, Icterus icterus
Yellow oriole, Icterus nigrogularis
Baltimore oriole, Icterus galbula
Yellow-billed cacique, Amblycercus holosericeus
Solitary black cacique, Cacicus solitarius
Scarlet-rumped cacique, Cacicus uropygialis
Yellow-rumped cacique, Cacicus cela
Mountain cacique, Cacicus chrysonotus
Red-rumped cacique, Cacicus haemorrhous
Russet-backed oropendola, Psarocolius angustifrons
Green oropendola, Psarocolius viridis
Crested oropendola, Psarocolius decumanus
Olive oropendola, Psarocolius bifasciatus
Finches, euphonias, and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae
Finches are seed-eating passerine birds that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. Twenty species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Plumbeous euphonia, Euphonia plumbea
Purple-throated euphonia, Euphonia chlorotica
Trinidad euphonia, Euphonia trinitatis
Finsch's euphonia, Euphonia finschi
Violaceous euphonia, Euphonia violacea
Thick-billed euphonia, Euphonia laniirostris
Golden-rumped euphonia, Euphonia cyanocephala
Golden-bellied euphonia, Euphonia chrysopasta
White-vented euphonia, Euphonia minuta
Orange-bellied euphonia, Euphonia xanthogaster
Rufous-bellied euphonia, Euphonia rufiventris
Golden-sided euphonia, Euphonia cayennensis
Blue-naped chlorophonia, Chlorophonia cyanea
Chestnut-breasted chlorophonia, Chlorophonia pyrrhophrys
Lesser goldfinch, Spinus psaltria
Andean siskin, Spinus spinescens
Yellow-faced siskin, Spinus yarrellii (H)
Yellow-bellied siskin, Spinus xanthogastrus
Red siskin, Spinus cucullatus
Hooded siskin, Spinus magellanicus
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae
Old World sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or gray birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects. One species has been recorded in Venezuela.
House sparrow, Passer domesticus (I)
Weavers and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Ploceidae
The weavers are small passerine birds related to the finches. They are seed-eating birds with rounded conical bills. The males of many species are brightly colored, usually in red or yellow and black; some species show variation in color only in the breeding season. One species has been recorded in Venezuela.
Village weaver, Ploceus cucullatus (I)
Waxbills and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Estrildidae
The estrildid finches are small passerine birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. They are gregarious and often colonial seed eaters with short thick but pointed bills. They are all similar in structure and habits, but have wide variation in plumage colors and patterns. Two species have been recorded in Venezuela.
Tricolored munia, Lonchura malacca (I)
Java sparrow, Padda oryzivora (I)
