Schiffornis veraepacis
The Northern Schiffornis, *Schiffornis veraepacis*, is a medium-sized, rather nondescript suboscine passerine bird, often more readily heard than seen within its dense forest habitats. Averaging around 15.5-17 cm (6.1-6.7 inches) in length and weighing approximately 30-40 grams (1.1-1.4 ounces), its plumage is predominantly olive-brown, darker on the upperparts and paler on the underparts, often with a subtle rufous wash on the flanks and undertail coverts. A key field mark, though often subt...
This species primarily inhabits humid tropical and subtropical evergreen forests, favoring the dense understory and mid-story layers of primary and mature secondary woodlands. It is typically found from sea level up to elevations of about 1,800 meters (5,900 feet).
Its diet consists mainly of insects, which it gleans from foliage and snatches in short aerial sallies, supplemented by small fruits and berries.
The Northern Schiffornis is a largely solitary and secretive bird, spending most of its time foraging quietly in the dense undergrowth and mid-story, making it notoriously difficult to observe. It forages by gleaning insects from foliage and bark, often making short, agile sallies to catch prey i...
The Northern Schiffornis is a resident species found throughout much of Central America. Its range extends from southern Mexico, specifically the states of Oaxaca, Veracruz, Tabasco, Chiapas, and the Yucatán Peninsula, south through Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador (rarely), Nicaragua, Co...
Least Concern
- The Northern Schiffornis was, until recently, considered conspecific with other species in the Schiffornis complex (e.g., Rufous-tailed Schiffornis), leading to significant taxonomic confusion and a split into multiple distinct species. - Despite its plain appearance, its ethereal, clear, whist...