Bubbling Cisticola

Cisticola bulliens

Large, plain cisticola. The most outstanding aspects of the plumage are the pale underparts and the two bands across the tip of the tail, one pale and one black. Found in a variety of open habitats including coastal scrub, savanna, plantations, villages, and forest edge. Very similar in appearance to Chattering and Rattling Cisticolas, but often distinguished by range and habitat, and further distinguished by having less rufous on the head, and a less-streaked back and less rufous wing than Rattling Cisticola. Song is variable, but typical pattern is a couple of “che” notes followed by a long, liquid trill; overall, song is very similar to the songs of Chattering and Rattling Cisticolas. Also gives squeaky whistles and scolding calls. 

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Cisticola bulliens
Authority
Lynes, 1930
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Cisticolidae
Genus
Cisticola

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
stable

Photos

Distribution

Other Birds

Henderson Island Crake

Henderson Island Crake

Zapornia atra

An entirely deep black crake with bright reddish-orange eye-ring and legs. Bill is yellowish green. Flightless, bold, and curious. No other similar birds occur within its range. Contact call is a nasal “kak” repeated rapidly. Also gives a loud, continuous churring call.

Gray-cheeked Green-Pigeon

Gray-cheeked Green-Pigeon

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Chunky green pigeon with comical lime-green “goggles” and a thick white bill. Male has a dark maroon back and shoulders, which the female lacks. Both sexes have a silvery-gray forehead and crown. Female may be confused with female Pink-necked and Orange-breasted Green-Pigeons, but note her gray crown, green spectacles, and bright yellow-green wing feather linings. Inhabits a wide range of wooded areas, from the lowlands into the foothills. Often in pairs, but will also gather in large flocks at fruiting trees. Gives a long, quavering coo, as well as more even-sounding cooing and odd chuckling calls.

Mugimaki Flycatcher

Mugimaki Flycatcher

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Chunky, round-headed flycatcher with an orange front in all plumages. Adult male has vivid orange throat and breast contrasting with black upperparts and white belly, supercilium, and wing patches. Younger male and adult female grayish-brown above and white below, with pale yellow-orange throat, white eyering, and very narrow wingbars. Breeds in lowlands up into submontane areas, favoring broadleaf and mixed forests; in submontane evergreen forests on wintering grounds. Song begins with a few pure silvery whistles, followed by a jumble of warbling trills.

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