Seram Oriole

Oriolus forsteni

A dull, entirely olive-brown oriole with a pale collar and a conspicuous dark face. Singles or pairs can be found in forest and forest edge in the lowlands and foothills, being more abundant lower down. Restricted to Seram. Occurs alongside the similar Seram Friarbird, but is marginally smaller, lacks any naked skin around the eye, and shows a more rounded head shape with a steeper forehead and a heavier, blunter-tipped bill. Gives a fluty call, “p’p’p’p’POW!”, building with a first set of rapid, softer notes followed by an explosive note.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Oriolus forsteni
Authority
(Bonaparte, 1850)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Oriolidae
Genus
Oriolus

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
stable

Photos

Distribution

Other Birds

Two-banded Warbler

Two-banded Warbler

Myiothlypis bivittata

Small, yellowish bird with a fine black bill and distinctive black stripes on head. Mostly green above and yellow below; has rufous or orange crown bordered by black, but crown color can be difficult to ascertain. Note olive eyebrow becoming yellow in front of eye, and bright pinkish-yellow legs. Inhabits dense understory of foothill forests along the eastern slope of the southern Andes and in the tepui region. Usually occurs in pairs or small family groups that forage actively for insects, often joining mixed-species flocks. Song in tepuis is a series of chips followed by a high-pitched, screeching note. In southern part of range, song is very different: a rich rollicking series of notes that may vaguely recall House Wren and is often given by pairs as a duet. In southern Andes, most similar to Golden-bellied Warbler but has olive (not entirely yellow) eyebrow; also similar to Golden-crowned Warbler but typically occurs at higher elevations and has olive (not whitish) eyebrow.

White-spectacled Bulbul

White-spectacled Bulbul

Pycnonotus xanthopygos

A medium-sized passerine that is conspicuous and noisy. Note the overall gray plumage, black head, and broad black tail. Inhabits a wide variety of habitats, including urban and suburban environments, cultivated areas, and natural ecosystems. Omnivore; feeds on fruit, invertebrates, and scraps. Often moves around in small, noisy groups or pairs giving a loud chatter. Produces a fine, flutey song at dawn.

Rufescent Screech-Owl

Rufescent Screech-Owl

Megascops ingens

Large screech-owl of mid-elevation cloud forest. General coloration is either brown or rufous with a paler belly. Note dark eyes and rather plain facial pattern. Ear tufts are usually indistinct. Separated from other screech-owls in range by dark (not yellow) iris and voice. Typical song is a fairly rapid series of soft whistles. Also gives a series that starts slower and then speeds up suddenly.

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