Terrestrial Brownbul
Phyllastrephus terrestris
A dull, dark brown, gregarious understory brownbul with dark red eyes and a whitish throat. Small groups of 4-6 individuals skulk in thickets and in lowland and montane forest up to 2100 meters. They hop and sneak through the undergrowth, flicking dead leaves and looking for insects and small vertebrates, giving a series of harsh nasal “ugk-ugk-ugk-ugk” chuckling notes that draw attention to themselves. The similar Northern Brownbul differs from the Terrestrial Brownbul by having warmer reddish tones on the tail and rump, and by lacking a white throat.
Identification
The terrestrial brownbul (Phyllastrephus terrestris) is a species of songbird in the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. It is found in eastern and south-eastern Africa. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, and subtropical or tropical moist shrubland.
Taxonomy
Alternate names for the terrestrial brownbul include the bristle-necked brownbul, brownbul, scrub bulbul and terrestrial bulbul.<p>Four subspecies are recognized:
- Scientific name
- Phyllastrephus terrestris
- Authority
- Swainson, 1837
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pycnonotidae
- Genus
- Phyllastrephus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Gray-headed Elaenia
Myiopagis caniceps
Small flycatcher found in humid forest in lowlands and lower mountain slopes. Male is gray with paler underparts and dark wings with white wingbars. Female looks quite different with olive upperparts and yellowish underparts. She is very similar to Forest Elaenia, but has a paler and cleaner (not mottled) breast. Gray-headed Elaenia is also very similar to Amazonian Elaenia, but note its more southerly range. In areas where their ranges meet, identification may have to be confirmed by voice, though Gray-headed Elaenia usually shows a contrasting pale white or yellow eye. Typical song is a rapid, slightly descending trill, often preceded by one or more clear whistles. Usually stays high in the forest, often in the canopy.
Caucasian Snowcock
Tetraogallus caucasicus
Large and heavily-built gamebird of the Caucasus Mountains. Grayish overall, with a whitish face and throat. Also note coarse rusty-brown-and-white streaking on the back and sides. Inhabits the high rocky reaches of the mountains, from the forest’s upper limit up to the snowline; will move down the mountains in response to especially harsh winter snowstorms. Song is a loonlike, desolate, rising whistle. Gives loud “chuk” calls when alarmed.
Red-capped Cardinal
Paroaria gularis
Small, boldly colored tanager found in vegetation around lakes and rivers. Bright red head and black-and-white plumage are instantly recognizable. Quite social and often found in pairs or groups as they forage low in waterside vegetation. Frequently perches on branches sticking out of the water.
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