Cardinal Lory
Chalcopsitta cardinalis
A thick-bodied, long-tailed parrot with entirely red plumage. The head appears slightly brighter than the body. Widespread in most habitats up to around 1200 meters of elevation. Unlikely to be misidentified due to its unique entirely red coloration. Most common call is a high-pitched rising “tsleet!”
Identification
The cardinal lory is 31 cm (12 in) long. All plumage is red. The beak is orange with black at its base. The bare skin at base of beak and around eyes is black, and the irises are orange-red. Its legs are grey. The male and female are identical in external appearance. The beaks of the juveniles are dull orange with more prominent black areas than the adults, pale grey eye-rings, and yellow irises.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Chalcopsitta cardinalis
- Authority
- (Gray, GR, 1849)
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittaculidae
- Genus
- Chalcopsitta
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
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Small flycatcher with a long slender tail, which is often held cocked. Note the diagnostic cinnamon patches around the eyes contrasting with a green head, pale eye, and yellow throat. Otherwise the upperparts are a bright olive-green and the underparts are pale. Found in the canopy in the borders and interiors of humid forests, often accompanying mixed-species flocks. The song is a fast descending “djeee-djeee.”
Scarlet-and-white Tanager
Chrysothlypis salmoni
Scarce tanager found only in wet lowland and foothill rainforest in northwestern Ecuador and western Colombia. Fabulous male is unlike any other South American bird: he has glowing red plumage with white sides and slightly darker wings. Female is rather drab and confusing. She is best identified by her white sides that contrast slightly with her olive back, yellowish belly, and buffy breast. Forages in middle to upper levels of the forest, and sometimes joins mixed-species flocks.
Malabar Lark
Galerida malabarica
A rusty-brown bird with very heavily streaked upperparts. It has a short crest, paler underparts, and strong streaks that run down the breast. Similar to Crested Lark, but the Malabar Lark is smaller, has a shorter and straighter bill, and is generally darker. Similar to Tawny Lark as well, but slightly larger, with a slimmer bill, and more heavily marked. Inhabits grassy areas, rocky areas, and fields. Forages lazily, and often flocks outside the breeding season. Calls and songs consist of pleasant series of variable short whistles.
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