Rufous-fronted Laughingthrush
Garrulax rufifrons
Plain-looking large laughingthrush; dusty-brown overall, with pale orange eyes and a dark chestnut forehead patch. Also note warmer rufous tones on wings and tail. Despite its drab appearance, this species is unfortunately nonetheless under intense pressure for the cagebird trade, and has disappeared from much of its montane forest habitat. Song is a long, descending series of shrill notes. Calls are variable; sharp yapping notes are frequently given. Travels in small to medium-sized flocks, sometimes mixing with other species.
Identification
It is 27 cm (11 in) in length, and has a striking and very deep rufous-red patch on an otherwise grey plumage above its bill. Its large eyes are a striking light yellow colour. Like other laughingthrushes, it typically occurs in small family groups of five or six birds, but little is known about its breeding since only very recently has there been any success breeding in captivity and its natural habitat is extremely rugged mountains.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Garrulax rufifrons
- Authority
- Lesson, RP, 1831
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Leiothrichidae
- Genus
- Garrulax
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
In 2012, it was still regarded as Near Threatened, but is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List since 2016, as it is threatened by trapping for the cagebird trade. A breeding program has been started in Cikananga Wildlife Center, though efforts were hindered when three birds were thieved in a raid.<p>One subspecies, G. r. slamatensis, is possibly extinct in the wild with the last few animals remaining in private breeding centers.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Western Rosella
Platycercus icterotis
Red-and-green rosella with a yellow cheek in adults. The only rosella found in southwestern Western Australia, where it inhabits open woodland habitats and parks, usually feeding on the ground. Adult mottled green and black (or red) above, with red underparts and crown, blue rump, and blue wings. Adult male has more intense colors than female; juvenile lacks yellow cheeks and is more extensively green. Two subspecies exist, varying in back color: the inland subspecies has a green-and-black back, the southwestern subspecies a red-and-black back. Call is a slow, ringing double note; also gives chattering calls.
Yellowish Imperial-Pigeon
Ducula subflavescens
Large pigeon, mostly yellowish-white with black wing feathers. Tip of the tail also black. Feeds on fruits, known to roost on islands and in mangroves. Forms small flocks, sometimes including other imperial-pigeons.
Green Kingfisher
Chloroceryle americana
Small kingfisher with disproportionately long bill. Dark glossy green above with white throat, collar, and spots on wings. Tail often held cocked up. White outer tail feathers spotted with green conspicuous in flight. Male has rufous breast; female breast white with spotted green double-collar. Found along rivers or ponds. Less conspicuous than some other kingfishers, often perching on overhanging branches close to water's surface. Low flight with quick wingbeats.
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