ML646972921

Observation details

We were confused by the birds here. The sublegatus in this area are an intriguing mystery. They have been reported as all 3 of the species, or even an undescribed taxon, with little consensus. At the time Ron explained to us they are probably an undescribed taxa of Amazonian-Scrub, with different vocalisations. Although Amazonian-Scrub is arguably the most likely on range, based on maps from 'Birds of the World', there are just two eBird records of this taxon anywhere in Guyana (and none anywhere near this checklist area). Amazonian Scrub prefers terra firme habitat which is not the habitat around Sand Creek. The bird in question looks a better fit for Northern with apparent narrow wingbars (but this may be angle). Both Northern and Southern Scrub have eBird records for this checklist area, with Southern by far the most frequently recorded taxa. We heard vocalisations which reasonably match Southern on Xeno Canto (Northern is described as typically quiet and shy in 'Birds of the World'). Assigned to Southern as this seems the best fit from the available apparently conflicting evidence. Worth noting that subsequently, Ron has also assigned these birds as Southern: https://ebird.org/checklist/S217723023. Rob Morris (c) photo attached.