Oleaginous Hemispingus

Sphenopsis frontalis

A study in dull yellow, this nondescript tanager lacks any distinctive field marks. The slightly brighter yellow eyebrow is only present in some regions, and might suggest something like a Citrine Warbler, but note the stouter bill and slightly chunkier shape. Usually found in pairs or small groups, often following mixed-species flocks through the understory and middle levels of foothill and subtropical forest from 1,500–2,500 m.

Identification

The species' underparts are dull-yellow in colour while it upperpart is olive-green.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Sphenopsis frontalis
Authority
(Tschudi, 1844)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Parulidae
Genus
Sphenopsis

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

African Thrush

African Thrush

Turdus pelios

This widespread thrush shows a large amount of geographical variation. The upperparts are generally gray-brown, while the underparts can be buff, gray, or rufous. All across the range, shows a yellow bill. Found in a range of habitats, including forest edge, woodland, gardens, and cultivation. In areas without Abyssinian Thrush, also occurs in montane forest. The song is a pretty, variable series of chatty whistles and trills which can continue for a long time without a pause. Similar to Abyssinian Thrush, but found at lower elevations in areas of overlap, and is generally paler, with a paler yellow bill.

Ross's Turaco

Ross's Turaco

Tauraco rossae

Spectacular purple turaco with a yellow bill and face and a puffy red crest. Shows large crimson wing patches in flight. Found along forest edge, and in gallery forest and lush gardens. Acts like a typical turaco, bouncing through the trees, and flying occasionally with short bursts of wingbeats and long glides. Call is a low, up-and-down trill that is often given in raucous chorus by a group. Similar to Violet Turaco, but minimal overlap in range, and Ross’s is easily separated by its red crest and yellow bill.

Malaysian Blue Flycatcher

Malaysian Blue Flycatcher

Cyornis turcosus

Small flycatcher with brilliant blue upperparts, a pale orange throat and chest, and a white belly. Slightly paler female has a whitish throat, while male’s is blue; sexes are otherwise quite similar. Head is fairly uniformly blue, without boldly lighter or darker patches, unlike in many other “blue flycatchers”. Pale and restricted orange also serves as a helpful identifying feature. A lowland species, restricted to secluded riverine forests in Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, but found in a variety of dry and wet forests on Borneo. Song is a short smooth series of drawn-out piping whistles.

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