Cardinal Myzomela

Myzomela cardinalis

A small, strikingly plumaged myzomela with a bright crimson red head, back, and rump and black wings, belly, chest, and tail. Thin bill decurved. Female mostly dark reddish, with darker ruddy brownish coloration where male would be black. Seems to prefer forest habitats, but widespread. Unique coloration of both sexes should identify this species with certainty. Vocally shy. Common call is a repeated high-pitched, insect-like “tseet.”

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Myzomela cardinalis
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Meliphagidae
Genus
Myzomela

Photos

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Leymebamba Antpitta

Leymebamba Antpitta

Grallaricula leymebambae

Small antpitta found in montane forest in the Andes from northern Ecuador to Bolivia. Typical antpitta shape: plump with short tail and long legs. Plain warm tawny or rufous below and duller browner above. Look for conspicuous white eyering that is much wider behind the eye. Similar to Slate-crowned Antpitta, but crown is not contrasting gray like Slate-crowned and the eyering is white, not buffy. Occurs from around 1,750 to 3,350 m. Singles or pairs are shy and difficult to see in the understory; usually perched a meter or two above the ground. Often found around patches of bamboo. Listen for fast series of piping whistles that drops off at the end.

Antipodes Parakeet

Antipodes Parakeet

Cyanoramphus unicolor

Entirely green parakeet endemic to the subantarctic Antipodes Islands. The largest of New Zealand’s native parakeets. Males are larger than females. Common throughout their habitat and range, walking and climbing through vegetation when foraging. Will scavenge bird carcasses. An inquisitive bird, often approaching human visitors. Call is a distinctive deep “kok-kok-kok-kok” chatter. Shares its range with Reischek’s parakeet, but distinguishable by much larger size and lack of a red crown.

Mountain Chiffchaff

Mountain Chiffchaff

Phylloscopus sindianus

Very similar to Common Chiffchaff, but distinctly darker brown, and lacks any green or yellow tones including uppertail coverts and fringes to wing feathers. Note the brownish wash to underparts, especially the flanks, the rather contrasting whitish throat, and white eyebrow. Bill and legs distinctly black. Short primary projection. Breeds in forested mountains, valleys, and foothills, including low-stature mixed forest; winters in lower elevation scrub, including acacia and tamarisks. Call similar to Siberian Chiffchaff: a high-pitched, slightly downslurred "Piiu." Song similar to Common Chiffchaff but faster and less “organized.”

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