White-rumped Kingfisher
Caridonax fulgidus
A distinctive large forest kingfisher with entirely dark purplish upperparts, except for its white rump. Also shows clean white underparts and a vivid orange bill. Juveniles darker, less purple above, with yellowish bill, buff coloring on breast, and dark eyes. Occurs singly or in pairs inside lowland and foothill forest, including in degraded patches, within the upper levels of the understory. Conspicuous call is a “kow-kow-kow-kow…” given repeatedly, mostly early and late in the day.
Identification
It is dark blue all over, except its underside and rump, which are white. It has a red bill and feet. Its eyes are dark brown.
Taxonomy
Genus: Caridonax; Family: Alcedinidae; Order: Coraciiformes.
- Scientific name
- Caridonax fulgidus
- Authority
- (Gould, 1857)
- Order
- Coraciiformes
- Family
- Alcedinidae
- Genus
- Caridonax
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Large-tailed Antshrike
Mackenziaena leachii
Medium-sized antshrike with a rather small head, a short robust bill, and a long tail. Males are black with white spots and an entirely black tail while females are black with cinnamon spots and barring throughout. Mostly seen in pairs in the dense understory of humid forests closer to bamboo, can be active but hard to see. The song is a loud and clear series of ascending and descending notes.
Pale White-eye
Zosterops flavilateralis
A small, sharp-billed warbler-like bird. Note the yellow underparts and the narrow white spectacles around the eyes. Found in dry thorn savanna, woodland, and scrub. Usually in hyperactive flocks, and often joins mixed flocks. Very similar to African Yellow White-eye, but shows less yellow above the bill, looks more washed-out overall, and prefers drier habitats. Most common call is a high-pitched rising rattle. Song is a quiet, chatty sequence of “chew” notes.
Red-fronted Coot
Fulica rufifrons
Fairly common coot of lowlands. Found on fresh to brackish ponds and lakes; also marshy wetlands with little open water. Often near cover, rarely far out on open water. Walks on shore more than other coots. As well as the diagnostic dark red forehead shield and bright yellow bill, note the big white wedges under the tail, which with behavior, often suggest a gallinule as much as a coot. Juvenile is dark overall with whitish throat and dull bill and shield. Often occurs in same areas as Red-gartered Coot.
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