Seram Friarbird
Philemon subcorniculatus
A very large honeyeater with a long dagger-like bill. Entirely gray-brown with a whitish collar and pink naked skin around the eye. Juveniles are less olive, showing some yellow feather edging above. Confined to the island of Seram, where it is found in lowlands and foothills in forest, plantations, mangroves, and sparsely wooded areas. Differs from Seram Oriole in showing bare skin around the eye and also in shape, as it is slightly larger and relatively longer-tailed, with a bill that tapers to a finer tip and a crown is often flattened, with a peak on the nape. Gives an explosive loud “k’PROW!” call.
Identification
The Seram friarbird (Philemon subcorniculatus), also known as the grey-necked friarbird, Ceram friarbird, grey-necked honeyeater and gray-necked honeyeater, is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is endemic to Indonesia where it occurs on Seram Island in the Maluku Islands. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests. They are common and conspicuous and often in small groups of up to four individuals. The Seram friarbird is the largest of its family, and is approximately 78% heavier than the grey-collared oriole, which is an almost perfect mimic of it.
Taxonomy
Genus: Philemon; Family: Meliphagidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Philemon subcorniculatus
- Authority
- (Hombron & Jacquinot, 1841)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Meliphagidae
- Genus
- Philemon
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Red-throated Ant-Tanager
Driophlox fuscicauda
Fairly common in the understory of lowland tropical forest and woodland; also ranges into adjacent secondary growth. Usually in small groups, mainly comprising female-plumaged birds. Associates readily with similar Red-crowned Ant-tanager when attending army ant swarms. These two species are best told by voice: low rasping calls in Red-throated, high squeaky calls in Red-crowned (remember: the throat is lower than the crown). Male Red-throated has a small dark mask between the eye and the bill, and female has a contrasting buff throat.
Line-fronted Canastero
Asthenes urubambensis
Small wren-like bird with a long, pointed tail. Warm reddish brown with extensive white streaking on the undersides and face; also look for its thin white eyebrow and small reddish-orange throat patch. Forages singly or in pairs on the ground and in shrubs in low forest near the treeline; particularly likes Polylepis forests. Compared to similar streaked canasteros, which are mostly found in more open, grassy habitats without trees, look for its white eyebrow and unmarked back and wings.
African Thrush
Turdus pelios
This widespread thrush shows a large amount of geographical variation. The upperparts are generally gray-brown, while the underparts can be buff, gray, or rufous. All across the range, shows a yellow bill. Found in a range of habitats, including forest edge, woodland, gardens, and cultivation. In areas without Abyssinian Thrush, also occurs in montane forest. The song is a pretty, variable series of chatty whistles and trills which can continue for a long time without a pause. Similar to Abyssinian Thrush, but found at lower elevations in areas of overlap, and is generally paler, with a paler yellow bill.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.