Malindi Pipit

Anthus melindae

A large pipit with a long, strong bill and legs and a long tail. Shows heavy streaking on the underparts, brown upperparts, and a strong pale eyebrow. The base of the bill and the legs are bright pinkish-yellow. Found in coastal grasslands, especially seasonally flooded ones, and cultivated areas. Can be separated from other pipits by a combination of range, habitat, large size, sturdy structure, dark plumage overall, and very heavy streaking below. The song is a slowly repeated “churee” note, and the common call is a rising “sveet.” 

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Anthus melindae
Authority
Shelley, 1900
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Motacillidae
Genus
Anthus

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
stable

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Barolo Shearwater

Barolo Shearwater

Puffinus baroli

Scarce and poorly known seabird breeding locally on islands of Azores, Madeira, and Canaries; very rarely seen at sea, usually as single birds, often not with other seabirds. Small, stiff-winged seabird that flies fast and low over the water (almost like an auk), gliding mainly in windy conditions. Note white-faced appearance, extensively white underparts contrasting with blackish upperparts. Trailing edge of upperwings often has a frosty sheen. Appreciably smaller and quicker on the wing than much commoner Manx Shearwater.

Great-tailed Grackle

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

Large, lanky blackbird with flat crown and long tail. Males have ridiculously long tails, almost as long as their body, often held in a V-shape. Males are glossy black. Females are brown with paler eyebrow and throat. Eyes yellow to white; dusky for immatures. In coastal Texas, where its range overlaps with Boat-tailed Grackle, note habitat (more generalized as opposed to strictly saltmarsh) and pale eye (not brown).

White-faced Nunbird

White-faced Nunbird

Hapaloptila castanea

Rare and elusive denizen of Andean cloud forest; found at higher elevations than any other puffbird. Distinctive; note especially the stout, black bill bordered by white feathers, chestnut underparts, and red eye. Found inside forest, often near exposed earthen banks, which they favor as nesting sites. Remains motionless for extended periods before suddenly sallying out to catch an insect or other small animal. Typical song is a series of evenly spaced, mellow whistles that can be imitated.

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