Tagula Butcherbird

Cracticus louisiadensis

A large, little-known bird of lowland forest on Tagula Island where the only butcherbird. Mainly black plumage with white mark at the shoulder, above and below the base, and also at the tip of the tail. Long, silvery bill with black tip. Trumpet Manucode is a similar size and co-occurs, but Tagula Butcherbird has obvious white markings. Typical butcherbird song of low warbles mixed with bell-like notes and loud “chok!” notes.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Cracticus louisiadensis
Authority
Tristram, 1889
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Artamidae
Genus
Cracticus

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Other Birds

Junin Tapaculo

Junin Tapaculo

Scytalopus gettyae

Poorly known Peruvian endemic found only in high Andean cloud forest northeast of the city of Huancayo. It was described to science in 2013. Adult male is plain gray, lacking the rufous barring on the lower underparts shown by Rufous-vented Tapaculo and Trilling Tapaculo. Female plumage not yet known with certainty. Younger birds are heavily marked with bars or scales. Best identified by range and voice. Typical song is a lengthy series that starts out with simple notes and gradually transitions into sputtering bursts.

Stitchbird

Stitchbird

Notiomystis cincta

A medium-sized songbird endemic to New Zealand, restricted to predator-free offshore islands and North Island mainland sanctuaries. Male has a black head with conspicuous white ear tufts and a white wingbar. Note the vibrant yellow neck and shoulder band. Females and juveniles only have the white wingbar. Curious by nature, confidently approaching people at close range. Despite this, the species can be difficult to spot due to its rapid movements. Both sexes give a high-pitched, single-noted “titch” warning call. Males also produce whistled calls of 2-3 notes. Females can be distinguished from bellbirds by lack of green coloration. Also note the constantly cocked tail and the white wing patches.

Green Heron

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

Small, dark heron with a blue-green back, rusty-colored neck and dark cap. Usually in a crouched position, partly concealed in vegetation, waiting patiently for prey. In flight, looks like an awkward crow with broad wings, neck tucked in, and legs extending just beyond the tail. Often vocal when flushed; gives a sharp "skeiw!"

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