Andaman Flowerpecker

A large hornbill of lowland and foothill forest. Body dark, with rufous thighs, chest, and neck, a whitish tail, a red casque, a long red bill, and a black face bordered behind with yellow. Females have a smaller casque, a paler eye, and no eye-ring. Southern birds have a yellow-tipped bill. Similar to the Writhed Hornbill, but Rufous lacks the black tip to the tail and has a rufous rather than black or pale head. Voice includes loud, downslurred nasal honking notes.

Found in forest edge, farmland, and plains, this adaptable and elegant small shrike is a common sight across much of its range. Gray crown and back contrast sharply with white throat, black mask and wings, and bright orange sides. Noticeably smaller than Long-tailed Shrike, with which it shares its range; unlike that species, lacks orange on the back. Regularly perches on exposed perches such as telephone lines, posts, and snags. Song musical and variable, a series of buzzy, whistled, and warbled notes; incorporates mimicry of other species. Calls include repeated harsh chattering notes, as well as high barking and piping notes.

Male greenish overall with a rather stout pale pinkish bill, yellow flashes on wing and sides of tail. Female is much drabber, but shares male pattern; especially note the big, dull pinkish bill and yellow wing flash. Inhabits varied wooded and forested habitats, including parks, gardens, and farmland with hedges and scattered trees. Forms flocks in autumn and winter, sometimes moving in more open country. Often visits garden feeders. Listen for chattering song, interspersed with buzzy “dzweeeeee” calls. A Eurasian native, now introduced to southeastern South America, Australia, and New Zealand.