Vieillot's Black Weaver
Ploceus nigerrimus
Unusual males are all-black. Females are olive-green, with paler underparts. Both sexes have a pale eye: yellow in males and pale brown in females. Found in wet scrub, cultivation, and along forest edge. Usually found in flocks and bustling breeding colonies. Vocalizations are typical of weavers: “chet” notes and a sizzling, “radio static” song. In the east, males very similar to Maxwell’s Black Weaver, but they are larger, prefer more open habitats, and have a bright yellow rather than gray eye.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Ploceus nigerrimus
- Authority
- Vieillot, 1819
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Ploceidae
- Genus
- Ploceus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Bar-backed Partridge
Arborophila brunneopectus
An earth-colored partridge with a black throat and white cheeks. Most similar in appearance to White-cheeked Partridge; look out for a longer, much thicker white brow which extends down to the neck and a reddish patch of bare skin encircling the eye. Fine dark barring on the back isn’t as noticeable as bold black-edged white scaling on the flanks. Often found in drier forested habitats than other partridges, ranging from lowlands into the foothills.
Banded Quail
Philortyx fasciatus
Very small quail of open brushy woodland and weedy fields in dry regions; endemic to interior southwest Mexico. No other quail in most of its range and habitat. Occurs in coveys for much of year, usually of 5–15 birds, which often feed along quiet roadsides early and late in the day. Flushes explosively with shrieking chatter when disturbed. Sexes look alike, with dark crest spike and boldly barred belly.
New Britain Boobook
Ninox odiosa
A small brown owl confined to New Britain with a dark brown head, prominent white eyebrows and throat patch, and orange-yellow eyes. Broad brown chest band contrasts with pale mottled whitish underparts. Upperparts and wings dark chocolate brown with scattered white markings. Occurs in forest and in modified patches and clearings, in the lowlands and foothills. Distinctive: the only small brown owl on New Britain. Song is a distinctive, incessant series of “whoo” notes, rising in volume toward the end.
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