Ashy-headed Green-Pigeon
Treron phayrei
The silvery-gray crown of this green pigeon is diagnostic, but can be difficult to see when the bird perches high in the canopy. Adult male is green with an orange chest, dark cinnamon shoulders, and a bright orange patch under the tail. Female is more predominantly green without any orange. Both sexes have the silver crown, black wing tips, and intricate yellow markings on the flight feathers. Gives rather high-pitched whistling coos, generally to the rhythm of “wa-whee-wah-woo”. Strongly favors lowland forests; rare to locally uncommon in foothills.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Treron phayrei
- Authority
- (Blyth, 1862)
- Order
- Columbiformes
- Family
- Columbidae
- Genus
- Treron
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The ashy-headed green pigeon usually occurs singly or in small groups. Its flight is fast and direct, with the regular beats and an occasional sharp flick of the wings that are characteristic of pigeons in general. It eats the seeds and fruits of a wide variety of plants. It builds a stick nest in a tree and lays two white eggs.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Rufous-tailed Tailorbird
Orthotomus sericeus
Typical tailorbird, with an often-cocked-up tail, long bill, and active disposition. Gray above and white below, with an orange-brown crown and tail. Unlike similar Ashy Tailorbird, which has a gray tail, females and males essentially look alike. Inhabits open forests and forest edge, including shrubby gardens and field edges, where it keeps to dense vegetation. Often engages in flycatching behavior from a low perch. Calls are variable and include a nasal “dee-dee-dee-dee”, as well as an odd, echoing note that resembles that of a water droplet. Song is loud, ringing, and repetitive.
Spur-winged Lapwing
Vanellus spinosus
This medium-large plover is often locally abundant, noisy, and easy to identify. Its plumage is a striking combination of black, white, and brown. It is very vocal, producing a piercing and repeated “sik-sik-sik…” call. It is found around wetlands, but also away from water in cultivated areas and even suburbia and urban settings. It forages mainly for arthropods, but also small reptiles and amphibians. Lays its eggs on the ground, and is often very aggressive against invaders to its territory, be it a crow or a falcon. Also active at night.
Hook-billed Hermit
Glaucis dohrnii
A range-restricted hermit with a gently curved bill. Dark green above and rusty below, with a prominent broad white eyebrow and a greenish tail with a white tip. Found in humid forests, where it forages in the understory, favoring Heliconia plants. The similar Rufous-breasted Hermit has a more strongly curved bill and a bronzy tail with a white tip.
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