Chestnut-tailed Minla
Actinodura strigula
This brightly-colored social bird is a frequent attendant of mixed-species flocks. Relatively large size and combination of flashy colors and patterns scattered across its brownish body make this species unmistakable. Found in mid- to high-elevation wooded areas; prefers broadleaf and mixed evergreen forests. Gives a song of 3-4 sweet-sounding slurred whistles and a loud, squeaky call that sounds like a dog toy being stepped on.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Actinodura strigula
- Authority
- (Hodgson, 1837)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Leiothrichidae
- Genus
- Actinodura
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Red-knobbed Imperial-Pigeon
Ducula rubricera
A large pigeon with a mostly gray chest and head, a cinnamon underside, and green wings. Large red knob above the bill is distinctive. Common in most habitats, but prefers primary forest. Juvenile resembles Finsch’s Imperial-Pigeon, but has a paler ruddy underside and lacks that species’ bold white eye-ring and white tail band. Voice is primarily a rising then falling “whooOOOoo.”
Sri Lanka Swallow
Cecropis hyperythra
Swallow with deeply forked tail, and unstreaked chestnut underparts and rump. Found in a variety of open country habitats in both the lowlands and foothills, including farm fields and lightly wooded areas, where usually occurs in pairs or small groups. Combination of unmarked, deep rufous underside and rufous rump separate this species from all other swallows on the island.
Great Black Hawk
Buteogallus urubitinga
Uncommon in forest, marshes, and mangroves, where usually greatly outnumbered by similar Common Black Hawk. Slightly larger and lankier than Common Black Hawk, with longer legs and tail, and adults of the two species have very different calls in flight. Adult Great Black has 2 white tail bands (1 on Common) and less extensive yellow in face. Immature looks whiter-headed than Common (no big black moustaches), and its longer tail has narrower and more numerous pale bars. Usually warier than Common, which can be quite unconcerned by people.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.