Black Bee-eater
Merops gularis
A bee-eater of forest and forest edge that appears entirely black at a distance, but in good light shows a bright red throat and electric blue belly, undertail, and chest spots. Western birds have a black eye-line bordered in blue. Unmistakable when seen well. Call is a sharp “ji-lip!” that is not often heard.
Identification
The black bee-eater grows to a length of about 20 cm (8 in). It is a predominantly black bird, with a scarlet chin and throat, a streaked breast, a pale blue eyebrow, blue belly, undertail-coverts and rump, and rufous primaries.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Merops gularis
- Authority
- Shaw, 1798
- Order
- Coraciiformes
- Family
- Meropidae
- Genus
- Merops
Range and habitat
It is found throughout the intra-tropical rainforest of Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
New Zealand Bellbird
Anthornis melanura
A medium-sized nectar feeder endemic to New Zealand. Note yellowish-green plumage, blackish wings and tail, and red eyes. Male has purple tints on his head. Female browner, with a bluish gloss on the head. Juveniles show a clear yellowish cheek stripe. Widespread in the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Favors native and exotic forest, scrub, and urban parks and gardens. Listen for its melodious song consisting of a series of tuneful notes. Alarm call is a harsh, rapidly repeated “yeng.” Distinguished from European Greenfinch by lack of a pale, conical bill and larger size. Listen for lack of grunts, wheezes, and clicks to distinguish song from that of Tui.
White-browed Crake
Poliolimnas cinereus
A delicate-looking inhabitant of densely vegetated wetlands, where it scrambles over floating plants and between the stems of standing ones. Brown above and pale gray below, with a small black mask around the eye bound in by two bold white stripes. Prefers to run away instead of fly; flight is weak, with dangling legs. Call is a loud, raspy “kii-kah,” often repeated.
White-crowned Sparrow
Zonotrichia leucophrys
Large, long-tailed sparrow with striking head pattern. Adults have black and white stripes on the head, while immatures show brown and tan. Underparts are plain grayish without streaks. Bill color varies from yellow to pink, but always brighter than White-throated Sparrow. Breeds in brushy areas or thickets in open forest, often with conifers. In migration and winter, can be found in any brushy or weedy areas, often hopping on the ground. Visits feeders.
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