Mountain Shrike
Lanius validirostris
A medium-sized bird of montane clearings and shrubland. Has a typical shrike shape, with a long tail and hooked bill. Gray above with darker wings and tail, white underparts, orange sides, and a black mask through the eye. Some races have more orange on the underparts. Similar to Long-tailed Shrike, but usually occurs in more wooded areas at higher elevations, is slightly shorter-tailed, and lacks a white spot in the wing. Calls include a dry “chit!” note and a repeated grating alarm call, “krr-krr-krr-krr-krr!”
Identification
EBird describes the bird as "A medium-sized bird of montane clearings and shrubland. Has a typical shrike shape, with a long tail and hooked bill. Gray above with darker wings and tail, white underparts, orange sides, and a black mask through the eye. Some races have more orange on the underparts. Similar to Long-tailed Shrike, but usually occurs in more wooded areas at higher elevations, is slightly shorter-tailed, and lacks a white spot in the wing. Calls include a dry "chit!" note and a repeated grating alarm call, "krr-krr-krr-krr-krr!"<p>Three subspecies are recognized:
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Lanius validirostris
- Authority
- Ogilvie-Grant, 1894
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Laniidae
- Genus
- Lanius
Range and habitat
It is found in montane secondary forest, forest edge, open woodland and grassland areas from 1,200 to 2,400 meters above sea level. It appears to be limited to drier areas, and has been found in areas both with or without pine trees. Little else is known about this bird.<p>IUCN has assessed this bird as least concern with the population believe to be stable. Although it has a limited range, due to the relative security of its montane habitatm and its regular presence within its habitat it is not listed as threatened.<p>There are currently no species targeted conservation programs . Conservation actions proposed include to surveys in areas within and surrounding the species's range to determine distribution and abundance, as well as assess population and habitat loss. Conduct ecological studies to improve understanding and tolerance to habitat degradation. Protect areas of habitat occupied by the species and safeguard against future threats.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Victoria Crowned-Pigeon
Goura victoria
An enormous pigeon of lowland swamp forest. Blue-gray body and maroon chest. Differs from other crowned pigeons by its long white-tipped crest and pale gray wing patch tipped with maroon. Claps its wings very loudly when it takes off. Forages on the forest floor for fallen fruit. Courtship display includes rocking whole body forward and fanning tail, then lifting wings. Unmistakable and does not overlap with other crowned-pigeons. Voice a deep, upslurred booming call. Also regular deep hooting notes.
Gray-headed Goshawk
Tachyspiza poliocephala
An Inconspicuous, mid-sized raptor of the lowland and foothill forest interior. Dark eye, dark gray back, pale gray head and whitish belly, although a rare, dark-bellied form also occurs. Scans the forest floor from the mid-story for reptiles and insects. Orange facial skin and legs make it unmistakable in its range. Call, a high pitched “wi-ki-ki!” or longer series, sometimes given while stretching its wings straight up above its back, in display.
Gray Nightjar
Caprimulgus jotaka
Cryptic nightbird. Note silvery gray and brown coloration; intricate patterning more distinct than that of shorter-winged Savanna Nightjar. Roosts on the ground and in trees. Breeds in open areas within dense forests, as well as mountain ridges. Winters in similar habitat, but can also be found in more open areas such as forest edge and scrubland. Song is a long series of hollow “byuck” notes, like the firing of a cartoon laser gun.
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