White-browed Shrike-Babbler
Pteruthius aeralatus
A small, stout bird with a large head, usually found at mid-level in forests. Male is smartly attired: clean white below and black above with a gray back, a white eyebrow, and two bright, flame-like orange stripes towards the wingtips. Females have the same general patterning, but are much more faded, replacing black with gray and orange with yellow-green. Often joins mixed flocks in foothill and montane forests, where it can be fairly common. Song is a forceful series with slight breaks every second or third note: “dyudyu-dyu-dyudyu!”
Identification
The white-browed shrike-babbler is sexually dimorphic. There are many variations between the populations and some are more distinctive than others but they may not be easy to diagnose in the field. In general appearance it is very similar to the Himalayan shrike-babbler but all subspecies with the exception of validirostris have the tertials of males partly coloured rufous and partly fulvous.<p>The common name commemorates Edward Blyth (1810–1873), who published the description and notes based on Samuel Tickell's specimen. It was earlier called Tickell's shrike-Tit.
Taxonomy
The species was described by Edward Blyth who credited the name to collector Captain Samuel Tickell. This and several other species were later lumped together as subspecies of Pteruthius flaviscapis. In 2008, a molecular phylogenetic study resulted in the separation of species within the flaviscapis group with a large number split by application of the phylogenetic species concept and these were reorganized with a smaller number of species resulting in the following subspecies being included within white-browed shrike-babbler.
- Scientific name
- Pteruthius aeralatus
- Authority
- Blyth, 1855
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Vireonidae
- Genus
- Pteruthius
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Vertical migration
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Crested Becard
Pachyramphus validus
Large and robust becard found in the canopy and edges of humid and montane forests where it sometimes accompanies mixed-species flocks. Males are mostly dark gray with a paler breast and belly and with a white spot in the middle of the back that is normally concealed. Females are cinnamon above and pale yellow below with a gray crown. Not very vocal; makes occasional squeaky noises.
Short-billed Pigeon
Patagioenas nigrirostris
Overall dark pigeon of humid evergreen forest in tropical lowlands. Lives mainly in the canopy, where it is hard to spot, although its far-carrying hoo’koo-koo-koo song is often heard and may help in locating it. Sometimes feeds on fallen fruit on the ground, where it can be seen beside quiet trails. Plumage is dark brownish above, with a pinkish head, chest, and underparts. Note the short black bill.
Greater Vasa Parrot
Coracopsis vasa
Large black parrot that is found in and around all types of forest. Often seen in flight, sometimes in small, loose flocks. Incredibly loud calls consist of rough squawks and low whistles. Can be very hard to separate from Lesser Vasa Parrot, but larger and bigger-billed, with a straight edge to the skin at the back of the bill. Vocalizations are lower-pitched and rougher than those of Lesser Vasa Parrot. Can easily be mistaken for a raptor in flight, but has all-black plumage unlike any raptor in range.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.