Spot-necked Babbler
Stachyris strialata
A small but robust babbler; shy and social like most of its relatives, it moves about noisily through the undergrowth in pairs or flocks. Attractive and distinctive if seen well; rufous-tinged brown with a white throat, a broad white crescent under the eye, and a cluster of scaly white speckles on the neck. Found in hill and montane forest, where it frequently joins mixed feeding flocks foraging in the undergrowth. Song is a pleasant three-note series of high whistles: “tee-dee-tah!”. Gives typical babbler chatter; this species has a distinctly wet rattle.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Stachyris strialata
- Authority
- (Müller, S, 1836)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pellorneidae
- Genus
- Stachyris
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
They partake in interspecies allopreening with Nongggang babblers.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Cabanis's Ground-Sparrow
Melozone cabanisi
Rather local large sparrow of foothills and highlands in central Costa Rica. Found in brushy woodland and edge and overgrown clearings; usually on or near the ground and often in pairs. Like other ground-sparrows, spends most of its time skulking in shady and often dense cover. Large black spot in middle of chest. Head pattern is distinctive: rusty cap, black forehead and cheek wrapping around a white face with a beady dark eye.
Red-billed Pytilia
Pytilia lineata
A pretty and distinctive waxbill that is mostly gray with red wings, tail, and bill. Females are slightly duller and more brownish than males. Found locally in savanna, woodland, and cultivated areas, often in flocks. Range overlaps with Green-winged and Orange-winged Pytilias, but Red-billed is easily separated by the red wing. Not very vocal, but the most common call is a low “chuk.”
Asian Fairy-bluebird
Irena puella
Chunky tree-dweller with blood-red eyes. Spectacular male is decked out in midnight black and electric blue. Female is dark turquoise with dark wingtips. Gathers at fruiting and flowering trees. A species of lowland and foothill evergreen forests, though will occasionally venture into gardens and plantations. Song includes various notes, often paired, such as “wit!” and “wi’wit!” Gives “tik” calls when flying overhead.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.