Lafresnaye's Vanga
Xenopirostris xenopirostris
Large, big-billed vanga with white underparts. Males have a black hood, and females only a black cap. Madagascar endemic that is found in low-elevation spiny forest. Can be found solo or in pairs, sometimes in flocks with other vangas. Most common vocalizations are quick, sharp whistles and a “chi-che-che” scold. Separated from Van Dam’s and Pollen’s Vangas by range. Separated from Madagascar Cuckooshrike by much larger bill and white rather than gray underparts.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Xenopirostris xenopirostris
- Authority
- (Lafresnaye, 1850)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Vangidae
- Genus
- Xenopirostris
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Malurus pulcherrimus
Small bird with a very long blue-gray tail held cocked, found from southwestern Western Australia to the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia, where it prefers coastal heath and drier woodland areas. Breeding male has a bright blue helmet, bluish-black breast, blue patch on back, and chestnut shoulders. Female grayish overall, with long blue-gray tail and reddish bill. Nonbreeding male resembles female but has black bill and narrow pale eyering.
Rusty-backed Spinetail
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A small long-tailed bird found in gallery forests near water, mostly foraging in the understory. Rusty above and pale below with a white eyebrow. Similar to Yellow-chinned Spinetail, but has a pale (not black) lower mandible. The song, usually given as a duet, is a series of high-pitched notes.
Armenian Gull
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Among large gulls it is rather small and delicate with a short bill and a “sweet” round-headed profile. Adults have a prominent black band across the bill. Wingtips are extensively black with little white. Young birds are brown and streaked. Has a rather limited range. Breeds on upland lakes. In winter found along coasts and inland wetlands.
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