Scaly Babbler
Turdoides squamulata
A very dark babbler with pale scaling on the crown, throat, and breast and a yellow-orange eye. In the southern part of the range has a blackish ear patch, while in the north, can show a brown ear patch and a white chin, or else a completely white face. Found locally in coastal scrub, riparian thickets, and woodland with thick undergrowth. Almost always in small groups, which feed by hopping across the ground. More elusive and skulking than most babblers. Northern subspecies can be similar to White-rumped Babbler, but easily separated by the lack of a white rump. Usually located by the raspy babbling call, usually given by a whole group in chorus.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Turdoides squamulata
- Authority
- (Shelley, 1884)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Leiothrichidae
- Genus
- Turdoides
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Hispaniolan Pewee
Contopus hispaniolensis
A small drab inhabitant of woodlands including orchards and coffee plantations; typically “flycatches” from a low perch and returns to the same perch. This species is perhaps most notable in its lack of field marks, including lack of wingbars and facial markings. The Stolid Flycatcher is much larger and has wingbars and the Greater Antillean Elaenia has bold wingbars and a dull eyering. Rather unvocal for a pewee; most common call is a repeated mellow “pip”.
Yellow-browed Bulbul
Acritillas indica
Yellow-green bulbul with a clean face and dark eyes. Inhabits foothill and lower montane forests; often in moist areas. Commonly encountered in pairs or small flocks, but will also join mixed-species flocks. Typically sticks to cover. Song is comprised of cheery whistles mixed with slurred warbles. Calls include warbles, clear “weeeep” notes, and short nasal notes.
Red-rumped Woodpecker
Dryobates kirkii
Small, relatively drab woodpecker; olive-brown above and barred brown and white below. Both sexes have a yellow nape and a red rump (although this can be difficult to see). Males also have a red crown. Look for singles or pairs foraging at all levels in lowland forest, second growth, and mangroves. Often follows mixed-species flocks.
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