Scaly-breasted Partridge
Tropicoperdix chloropus
A cryptically-colored ground-dweller without the bright colors and bold head patterns boasted by many of its relatives. Mottled brown overall with a grayish-white face and a speckled orange throat. Forages in dense undergrowth like other partridges, usually in mature foothill and lowland forest. Listen for its song, a series of ascending breathy whistles which culminate in an echoing series of ringing notes. As with many other forest gamebirds, very difficult to see in general; most likely encountered at staked-out blinds, or, if one is lucky, walking quietly along roadsides and clearings at dusk and dawn.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Tropicoperdix chloropus
- Authority
- Blyth, 1859
- Order
- Galliformes
- Family
- Phasianidae
- Genus
- Tropicoperdix
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Ash-colored Tapaculo
Myornis senilis
Moderately distinctive as far as tapaculos go, with its pale gray color, pale tawny undertail coverts, and notably long tail. Found in the Andes from Colombia to Peru, where it is difficult to see in the dense understory. Especially fond of areas with bamboo. Listen for the song: a long, often stuttered trill, usually with some harsh introductory notes.
Taiwan Vivid Niltava
Niltava vivida
Sturdy flycatcher of dense forests, the only regularly occurring niltava on Taiwan. Male distinguished from other blue-and-orange niltavas by orange lower throat and peaked crown. Female’s white throat and lack of blue neck crescent (or white throat strap) are useful field marks. Like other niltavas, forages primarily in middle levels, often with other species.
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.”
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.