Cryptic Warbler
Cryptosylvicola randrianasoloi
Plain, warbler-like tetraka. Uncommon Madagascar endemic that is found very locally in middle- and high-elevation rainforest. Canopy species that sometimes joins mixed flocks. Often sings from an exposed perch. Song is a series of high, thin notes that fades away. Similar to Rand’s Warbler, but eye-stripe is not as bold, and the color of the upperparts is more olive-green than gray. Larger than jeries, with pale legs, a pale lower half of the bill, and no streaks on the throat. Somewhat like Wedge-tailed Tetraka, but inhabits the canopy, is much paler, and lacks a gray ear patch.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Cryptosylvicola randrianasoloi
- Authority
- Goodman, Langrand & Whitney, 1996
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Bernieridae
- Genus
- Cryptosylvicola
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Black Jacobin
Florisuga fusca
Large and aggressive hummingbird. Mostly black with white flanks. Boldly patterned tail is white with a black center and a thin black terminal band. Both sexes are similar, but juveniles have cinnamon sides to the throat. Found in a variety of habitats including woodlands, forest edges, and plantations, foraging from the understory to the canopy. Also visits feeders and gardens.
Yellow-footed Green-Pigeon
Treron phoenicopterus
Brightly-colored pigeon with significant regional variation. Look for a gray “shoulder strap” and yellow legs. South Asian birds are the brightest, with an orange-yellow neck and green underparts. Southeast Asian birds have more extensive gray on the underparts. Sexes are similar. Found in lowland forest and forest edge, as well as parks, gardens, and orchards; a common urban bird in much of its South Asian range. Not extremely vocal; occasionally gives cooing whistles.
Sharpe's Drongo
Dicrurus sharpei
Small drongo with a moderately notched tail. Found in open forest, thick woodland, and thickets. Not as bold or conspicuous as the common Fork-tailed Drongo. Often in pairs. Similar to Velvet-mantled and Fork-tailed Drongos, but smaller, with a less forked tail. Very similar to Shining Drongo, but Sharpe’s has less glossy plumage, a redder eye, and a more noticeably forked tail, and prefers drier habitats. Also similar to Square-tailed Drongo, but separated by range. Distinguished from black-flycatchers by heavier bill and red eye. Upright posture is unlike other all-black mid-sized birds. Song is an explosive and highly variable mix of whistles, squeals, and rasps, often delivered simultaneously by a pair.
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