Velvet-mantled Drongo
Dicrurus modestus
Large drongo with a strongly forked tail. Found in forest, usually in the canopy or on prominent open perches. Often in pairs. Song is an explosive and highly variable mix of whistles, squeals, and rasps. Very similar to Fork-tailed Drongo, but found in forest rather than savanna habitats, the black back is not glossy and contrasts with the glossy wing, and the tail is more deeply forked. Also similar to Shining Drongo, but has a strongly forked tail and less glossy plumage, and is found in the canopy rather than the mid-story.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Dicrurus modestus
- Authority
- Hartlaub, 1849
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Dicruridae
- Genus
- Dicrurus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush
Catharus aurantiirostris
Small, plain-breasted thrush of tropical and subtropical woodland; mainly in foothills, but also in highlands. In winter many birds move to coastal lowlands of west Mexico. Feeds mainly on the ground, but also in fruiting bushes. Sings from low to middle level perches, usually well hidden. Unlike most thrushes, sings year-round, but less often in winter. Told from similar species by mostly to wholly orange bill, narrow orange eyering, and brighter pale legs. Song distinctive: slightly jerky and tinny.
Common Bulbul
Pycnonotus barbatus
Rather nondescript thrush-sized brown bird with a darker face and throat. The belly is pallid and the undertail white (north part of range) or yellow (south part of range). Often in small flocks and not easily missed due to its noisy, repetitive, and powerful song. Also frequently makes harsh chattering calls. Present in many wooded habitats, absent only from dense forest or treeless desert. Often found in well-vegetated areas in dry landscapes such as gardens, orchards, and oases.
Loten's Sunbird
Cinnyris lotenius
Medium-sized sunbird with a deeply curved bill. Glossy purple male is larger and longer-billed than somewhat similar Purple Sunbird. Female, with her sharply demarcated white underparts and dark gray upperparts, is unmistakable. Found in both wooded habitats and more open areas, including around human habitation.
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