Variable Limestone Babbler
Gypsophila crispifrons
A large, chunky, scraggly-looking babbler found in limestone hills covered with forest. Gray and brown overall with heavy streaking on the head, back, and throat. An odd white morph shows a variable amount and distribution of bright white on the head and breast. Forages close to the ground, often in and around rocky cracks and crevices. Song is a loud, ringing, rather hoarse-sounding sequence of whistled notes including some repeated phrases, sometimes given as a duet by a pair. Also gives harsh “grrr” calls. Similar to Streaked Wren-Babbler, but larger and longer-tailed, lacking white spots on the shoulder.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Gypsophila crispifrons
- Authority
- (Blyth, 1855)
- Order
- Not a bird species
- Family
- Not a bird
- Genus
- Gypsophila
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Scarlet-hooded Barbet
Eubucco tucinkae
Brightly colored, yellow-billed barbet. Found in dense secondary growth, especially in bamboo and around water. Males are olive green above, with a yellow belly and extensive red hood that fades into the breast and back; females are similar, but with a yellow breast and throat. The lack of red on the lower breast of females helps distinguish them from similar male Lemon-throated Barbets. Song is an even-paced series of low hoots.
Short-tailed Nighthawk
Lurocalis semitorquatus
Dark nighthawk, most often seen flying over the forest canopy or a river at dusk. Overall brown with richer rufous belly and underwings; small white throat patch is sometimes difficult to see. Short tail is noticeable in flight. Unlike many other similar species, does not show white patches in wings. Sexes alike. Even less conspicuous than other nighthawks, often appearing fleetingly in the twilight and very rarely seen roosting during the day.
Palawan Blue Flycatcher
Cyornis lemprieri
A fairly small bird of lowland and foothill forest on Palawan and neighboring islands. Relatively large for a flycatcher, with a white belly and an orange throat and chest. Male has blue upperparts, a blackish face and edge of the wing, and a pale blue eyebrow and forecrown. Female has a gray head with a broken white eye-ring, brown wings, and a rufous tail. Similar to Mangrove Blue-Flycatcher, but male Palawan has paler blue upperparts and a paler orange chest. Song consists of pleasant, tinkling phrases of five or so metallic notes, each one slightly different.
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