Qilian Bluetail
Tarsiger albocoeruleus
A newly described species endemic (at least as a breeder) to a few pockets of northern China. Essentially visually identical to Red-flanked Bluetail: adult male is sky-blue above and pale below, with orange sides and a small white eyebrow. Female and juvenile are more subdued, but still have the rufous flanks and blue tail. Breeds in humid montane forest, often favoring mossy, damp areas. Wintering range and habits essentially unknown, but probably overlap those of Red-flanked Bluetail. Can be hyperactive, moving quickly across the forest floor, stopping to flick the tail downwards. Best identified by range and distinctive song: a short, descending sweet yet burry phrase repeated regularly, very different from the song of Red-flanked Bluetail. Also has a variety of calls that are less distinctive, including a rising “sweet”, a descending “seet”, and a series of low, dry notes.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Tarsiger albocoeruleus
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Tarsiger
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Northern Scrub-Robin
Drymodes superciliaris
Long-legged songbird found in rainforests of the Cape York Peninsula. Brown above, pale gray below, with black-and-white patterned wing and long tail, often flicked upward. Dramatic vertical black mark through the eye and cheek is diagnostic. Usually seen low down or on the ground; favors rainforest areas with plenty of leaf litter. Voice includes a variety of clear, thin whistled calls.
Curve-billed Reedhaunter
Limnornis curvirostris
Odd-looking wren-like bird with a cinnamon back and white underparts. Note the white eyebrow and the obvious curved bill. Found in marshes with extensive reedbeds, where it usually forages singly. Sings a fast series of harsh ascending notes that descends towards the end.
Wire-tailed Manakin
Pipra filicauda
Spectacular manakin with very long tail filaments and piercing white eyes. Males are bright yellow from the face to the underparts and bright red from the crown to the mantle; otherwise they are black. Females are dull olive-green with a yellow tinge to the chin and breast and have shorter tail filaments. Usually found near streams in humid forests, including gallery forests and old second growth.
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