Speckle-faced Parrot
Pionus tumultuosus
A fairly scarce but widespread Andean parrot, occurring from western Venezuela to Bolivia. This parrot has a plain green body with red undertail coverts and yellowish bill. Head color varies from slaty blue to bright pinkish-maroon with variable amounts of white speckling, sometimes looking like it was dusted with thick snow. Pairs or small flocks occur in montane forest, typically from around 2,000 m up to treeline. This is higher on average than other montane Pionus parrots like Red-billed, although there is some overlap. Often seen flying overhead, where the deep wingbeats eliminate other genera of parrots (like Scaly-naped Parrot, which has shallower wingbeats typical of Amazona parrots).
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Pionus tumultuosus
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittacidae
- Genus
- Pionus
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Slate-colored Boubou
Laniarius funebris
Mid-sized bushshrike that usually looks completely dark gray, though a darker black hood may be discernible in good light. Found in a wide variety of savanna and woodland habitats. Pairs skulk in the understory, sometimes emerging to the top of a bush to sing. The song is normally given as a pair duet: a mix of higher, rising “chreee” notes and lower “chuwit” notes. Also gives ratcheting and frog-like calls. Separated from other black boubous by habitat and vocalizations.
Socotra Sparrow
Passer insularis
Typical “rufous sparrow”, with a striped back and a gray crown, nape, and rump. Males have a black bib, and are brighter overall, with more rufous on the face and shoulder. Endemic to the island of Socotra, where it inhabits a range of habitats including rocky areas, dry woodland, scrub, and human settlements. The call is a cheerful “chirp”, often given in a slow series, similar to other sparrows. Similar to Abd al Kuri Sparrow, but separated by range.
Yellow-vented Bulbul
Pycnonotus goiavier
The most common urban bulbul in Southeast Asia, this attractive songster is a common sight in cities, parks, and plantations, as well as in open forests, edges, and secondary growth. Brown above and whitish below with a bright yellow vent and a thick black line between the bill and the eye. Front edge of the weak, slightly peaked crest is also dark. Gives rolling, variable song and bubbly multiple-note calls.
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