Jackson's Hornbill

A small, relatively dark woodpecker of humid forest. Mostly dark olive-green with a paler face and underparts. The throat is streaked, the breast is spotted, and the belly is barred. Males have a small red patch on the back of the head. Found in rainforest and thick secondary forest at low and middle elevations. Spends most of its time at middle levels and in the understory. Similar to Brown-eared Woodpecker, but smaller, without a dark cheek patch. Also reminiscent of Green-backed and Little Green Woodpeckers, but separated by the spotted rather than barred breast. Not very vocal, but does give a descending, mournful whistle. 

Wild chickenlike bird. Male is burnt orange with dark streaks, cockerel-like glossy black tail, and a prominent red comb marked with yellow on the crown. Gray-brown female has white streaks and prominent barring on its wings. Terrestrial, found in pairs or small groups in forests of lowlands and highlands over much of Sri Lanka. Generally keeps to cover. Only confusion is with domestic chicken; note lack of white at tail base, and yellow marking on comb of males, and bars in wings of females in Sri Lanka Junglefowl. Song a harsh “chyok-cher-chow”. Also stuttering “kik-kik-kik-kik” notes.

Male unmistakable: golden-yellow with black wings and tail; female and immature greenish yellow overall with dusky wings and variable, fine dark streaking below; note powerful-looking reddish-pink bill in all plumages (dullest in immature). Favors deciduous and mixed woodland and parks, especially with tall leafy trees; can wind up in more open habitats on migration. Shy and difficult to see well, despite bright colors. Tends to remain well hidden in foliage, and flies quickly and easily over long distances. Listen for beautiful, fluid, musical song and rough, corvid-like calls.