Wing-banded Hornero vs Lesser Hornero

The Wing-banded Hornero and Lesser Hornero can be distinguished primarily by their habitat preferences and subtle differences in plumage. The Wing-banded Hornero is more terrestrial and found in a variety of disturbed areas, while the Lesser Hornero is highly restricted to riverine habitats.

Look for the Wing-banded Hornero in a variety of disturbed habitats, while the Lesser Hornero will be confined to young river-islands. Note the darker crown and whiter supercilium of the Wing-banded Hornero compared to the paler Lesser Hornero.

The Wing-banded Hornero has a darker brown crown and ear coverts with a whiter supercilium, whereas the Lesser Hornero is considerably paler.

Both species are terrestrial and often seen walking on the ground, but the Wing-banded Hornero is noted for its bold behavior.

The Wing-banded Hornero prefers second-growth scrub, woodland edges, pastures, and areas near water. In contrast, the Lesser Hornero is restricted to ephemeral sandbar islands along the Amazon River and its tributaries.

Both species have loud songs, but the Lesser Hornero's song is a higher-pitched, raucous descending cackle.