Tanimbar Oriole

Oriolus decipiens

A dull brown oriole with a lighter head and a dark feathered face patch. Singles and pairs inhabit middle to upper levels of forest, woodlands, mangroves, and cultivated areas in lowlands and foothills. Confined to the Tanimbar Islands. Considerably smaller than Tanimbar Friarbird, with a more rounded head shape, a straighter bill with a slightly thicker tip, and no naked facial skin. Ringing call composed of flutey phrases, “we-we-weOW” and “churWOOW,” with first chur notes being rasping.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Oriolus decipiens
Authority
(Sclater, PL, 1883)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Oriolidae
Genus
Oriolus

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
stable

Photos

Distribution

Other Birds

Emperor Goose

Emperor Goose

Anser canagicus

Stocky goose that inhabits rocky coastlines, lagoons, and tidal flats. Striking white head, black throat, and petite pink bill. Blue-gray body with intricate black-and white bars, a white tail, and bright orange legs. Face sometimes stained orangish-brown. Juvenile has a gray head, but still shows white tail. Breeds on marshy tundra and winters in small flocks on coastal waters. Rarely seen outside Alaska.

Black-tailed Trogon

Black-tailed Trogon

Trogon melanurus

Large trogon with a red belly and stout yellow bill. The female has a gray head and chest, while the male is emerald green with a white band separating the chest from its red belly. Note the plain dark gray undertail. Found in canopy and middle levels of lowland forest, mainly in the Amazon basin of northern South America but also in eastern Panama, northern Colombia, and western Venezuela. The similar Slaty-tailed Trogon has a red bill and males lack the white chest band seen on Black-tailed Trogons. Listen for slow series of low-pitched “coop” calls.

Indigo-banded Kingfisher

Indigo-banded Kingfisher

Ceyx cyanopectus

A dazzling little kingfisher of streams with vegetated banks from the lowlands to low elevations in the mountains. Deep indigo-blue above with a pale turquoise band down the back and speckling on the wing and head. Note pale cheek and throat patches and bright orange chest and belly. Males have a blue band across the upper chest, and some have an incomplete band across the lower chest. Races differ. Southern birds have an all-black bill, while northern ones have a red lower bill and more blue on the sides. Similar to Common Kingfisher, but Indigo-banded lacks orange on the cheek and has at least some blue on the sides. Voice is a high-pitched, tinkling trill.

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