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
Gray-headed Silverbill
Spermestes griseicapilla
A small, chunky, large-billed, distinctively marked waxbill. The gray head is speckled with fine white spots. There is sharp contrast between the brown back, the white rump, and the black tail, which is especially obvious in flight. Found locally in both dry and moist savanna and woodland, usually in grassy areas. Usually in flocks. The most common call is a quiet “tsip.”
Gray-breasted Sabrewing
Campylopterus largipennis
Large hummingbird of humid forests and semi-open habitats in Amazonia. Plain gray below and iridescent green above. Note large dark tail with white tips; also look for fairly heavy, slightly dropped bill and white spot behind eye. Occurs mostly in forest clearings or other semi-open habitats such as edges, tree fall gaps, and gardens. Forages at low- to mid-levels.
Plain-winged Antwren
Myrmotherula behni
Small, rare antbird found in lush cloud forest along the east slope of the Andes and in the tepui region of Venezuela, Guyana, and extreme northern Brazil. Male is dark gray with black throat and breast; extent of black is geographically variable. Female is brown with a pale throat. Similar to Slaty Antwren but lacks wing markings. Inhabits forest understory, where often encountered with mixed-species flocks. Song is a series of four to ten soft whistles.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.