Dusky Tit
Melaniparus funereus
Unusual forest tit that is all dark with a red eye. The male is mostly black, and the female dark gray. Found in humid forest, often around clearings or along the edge. Usually in pairs or small groups, readily joining mixed-species flocks. Gives a wide variety of vocalizations including a raspy up-and-down series, a typical tit “dree di-di-di,” and other whistled and scolding notes. Active tit behavior, small size, and small bill separate this species from other dark forest birds.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Melaniparus funereus
- Authority
- Verreaux, J & Verreaux, É, 1855
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Paridae
- Genus
- Melaniparus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The bird travels and surrounds itself in pairs or within a group. They also join mixed-species groups of flocks. However, they are known for their vocalizations, the sound of “dree di-di-di.”
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Tiny colorful bird of inland and northern parts of Australia. Mousy gray brown above, creamy below, with white-speckled black crown, yellowish brow, red spot above the stubby bill, and pale eye. Note prominent yellow wing panel, unique among pardalote species. Compare Striated Pardalote, which has a streaked crown, no yellow wing panel, and a yellow spot behind the eye. Call is a low note followed by five quick higher-pitched whistles "yoouuuu-did-did-did-did-did."
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Kuhl's Lorikeet
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Luminous, short-tailed parrot with a cherry-red throat and breast, green upperparts, and finely hooked orange bill. Also note the spiky feathers making up the green-and-blue crown. Endemic to the Polynesian Cook Islands, where it is native to Rimatara and introduced (or reintroduced) to others, including Atiu, where it occurred historically. Forages in a variety of wooded island habitats, including coconut plantations. Gives a variety of high-pitched calls, including a gratingly shrill and garbled screech.
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