Black-bellied Gnateater

The black-bellied gnateater (Conopophaga melanogaster) is a species of bird in the family Conopophagidae. It is endemic to Brazil. == Taxonomy and systematics == The position of the black-bellied gnateater in linear format is unsettled. The International Ornithological Committee (IOC) and the Clements taxonomy place it differently within the gnateater family. The species is monotypic. == Description == The black-bellied gnateater is 13 to 15.8 cm (5.1 to 6.2 in) long and weighs 37 to 43.5 g (1.31 to 1.53 oz). The male's entire head and most of the under parts are black, becoming dark gray on the lower belly and crissum (the area around the cloaca). Its upper parts are rich chestnut. It has a long white tuft behind the eye. The female's face and most of the under parts are gray. It also has chestnut upper parts, including the neck and crown, but those areas are browner. It has a white throat and a much smaller white tuft behind the eye. == Distribution and habitat == The black-bellied gnateater is endemic to Brazil. (A single 1889 specimen from Bolivia has been attributed to this species, but it was described as a different one. No other occurrences of black-bellied…