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.
Identification
The cryptic warbler (Cryptosylvicola randrianasoloi) is a species of Malagasy warbler in the family Bernieridae. It was formerly placed in the Old World warbler family Sylviidae. It was first discovered in 1992 near the Analamazaotra Special Reserve in Madagascar, and is endemic to the forests on the eastern part of island between Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve and Andohahela National Park.
Taxonomy
Genus: Cryptosylvicola; Family: Bernieridae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Cryptosylvicola randrianasoloi
- Authority
- Goodman, Langrand & Whitney, 1996
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Bernieridae
- Genus
- Cryptosylvicola
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
St. Lucia Black Finch
Melanospiza richardsoni
A small seed-eating species of forests with dense understory. Commonly found in pairs feeding on the ground. Males are entirely jet-black, whereas females have a largely buff-brown body and a gray head. Females of the similar-looking Lesser Antillean Bullfinch are grayish below with a browner head. The male Lesser Antillean Bullfinch is mostly black but has a small red throat patch that male St. Lucia Black Finches lack. Both sexes of bullfinch also have a smaller bill than that of the black finch. Vocalizations include a high “tseea-ts-ts-tsew” and a slightly squeaky “tsip.”
Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch
Emberizoides herbicola
Among all the streaky sparrowlike birds of open grassy habitats in its range, Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch is unique with its long spiky tail. Also note the stout yellow bill. Otherwise rather pale brown overall, clean buffy below with thick black streaks on back. If seen well, back and wings are suffused with a yellow tone. Similar to Lesser Grass-Finch, but is larger, darker and lacks a white throat. Look for singles or pairs in grassy or brushy fields, often announcing their presence with a chip note.
Junin Grebe
Podiceps taczanowskii
Critically endangered grebe found only on Lake Junín in the high Andes of central Peru. Adults are gray and white with a ruby-red eye; young birds have a brownish tinge. Extremely similar to the far more common Silvery Grebe, but Junin Grebe is slightly larger with a longer bill, a skinnier neck, darker flanks, and a paler bill. These differences are more evident when both species are present, to allow for direct comparison. Not easily seen or identified from the lakeshore; a boat is usually needed for close-up views.
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