Rufous Coucal
Centropus unirufus
A large, long-tailed bird of lowland and foothill forest tangles and bamboo in the northern Philippines. Sometimes follows mixed-species flocks. Distinguished by uniform rufous plumage with a greenish-yellow bill and an orange eye-ring which is elongated at the back. Juvenile Red-crested Coucal is somewhat similar, but Rufous Coucal is more rufous and lacks the white-tipped tail. Voice includes a shrieking, upslurred “joo-week!” and sharp “wik” notes, sometimes given quickly, even frantically.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Centropus unirufus
- Authority
- (Cabanis & Heine, 1863)
- Order
- Cuculiformes
- Family
- Cuculidae
- Genus
- Centropus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Stitchbird
Notiomystis cincta
A medium-sized songbird endemic to New Zealand, restricted to predator-free offshore islands and North Island mainland sanctuaries. Male has a black head with conspicuous white ear tufts and a white wingbar. Note the vibrant yellow neck and shoulder band. Females and juveniles only have the white wingbar. Curious by nature, confidently approaching people at close range. Despite this, the species can be difficult to spot due to its rapid movements. Both sexes give a high-pitched, single-noted “titch” warning call. Males also produce whistled calls of 2-3 notes. Females can be distinguished from bellbirds by lack of green coloration. Also note the constantly cocked tail and the white wing patches.
Bengal Florican
Houbaropsis bengalensis
Rapidly declining dainty bustard of tall grassland. Male is black with a speckled brown back and white wings, while female is intricately patterned in buffy brown all over. Retiring and seldom seen outside of the breeding season, when the male’s extravagant leaping display flight frequently brings it above the grasses and into view.
Golden-backed Weaver
Ploceus jacksoni
Adult male is bright yellow with a glossy black head and rusty-orange underparts. Female is dullish yellow overall and can be difficult to distinguish from other female weavers. Look out for Weyns’s Weaver, which has a similar color pattern, but a black back in the male and pale eyes in both sexes. Inhabits wetland areas and builds an oval nest. Native to eastern Africa; established species in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.