Attila is a genus of tropical passerine birds, the attilas. They belong to the tyrant flycatcher family. The species in this genus have large heads and hooked bills; they are markedly predatory and aggressive for their size – hence the scientific and common names, which refer to Attila the Hun.
Taxonomy The genus Attila was introduced in 1831 by the French naturalist René Lesson to accommodate a single species, the bright-rumped attila, which is therefore considered as the type species. Published in 8 livraisons between 1830 and 1831. For the publication date see: The genus name is from Attila the Hun who attacked Rome and Orléans in the 5th century.
The genus contains seven species: Image Scientific name Common name Distribution Attila phoenicurus Rufous-tailed attilasouthern Paraguay and Brazil; also extreme northeast Argentina, Bolivia and southern Venezuela Attila cinnamomeus Cinnamon attilaBrazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana; also Amazonian Ecuador, Peru, and regions of Bolivia. Attila torridus Ochraceous attilaColombia, Ecuador, and Peru Attila citriniventris Citron-bellied attilaBrazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Attila bolivianus White-eyed attila Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and possibly Ecuador. Attila rufus Grey-hooded attila Brazil. Attila spadiceus Bright-rumped attilanorthwestern Mexico to western Ecuador, Bolivia and southeastern Brazil, and on Trinidad
References
Further reading Hilty, Steven L. (2003): Birds of Venezuela. Christopher Helm, London. Stiles, F. Gary & Skutch, Alexander Frank (1989): A guide to the birds of Costa Rica. Comistock, Ithaca.