Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch
Sitta cinnamoventris
Often seen clambering up or headfirst down trees, this small active bird is usually found in the middle levels of the forest, though it will descend down toward the ground on occasion. Gray above and warmly-colored below throughout its range; eastern birds are paler below than western birds, the males of which have dark rusty bellies. Western birds also sport a bright contrasting white moustache. Lack of bright white patch on the tail distinguishes this species from White-tailed Nuthatch. A species of hill and submontane forests, where it favors lightly wooded areas of both broadleaf deciduous and pine forests. Often detected by its quick, echoing trill.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Sitta cinnamoventris
- Authority
- Blyth, 1842
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Sittidae
- Genus
- Sitta
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- unknown
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Horsfield's Babbler
Malacocincla sepiaria
A small, dull babbler with a short tail. Brown with a gray head and pale underparts. Dark gray crown, faintly streaked breast, and brighter buffy wash on the flanks eliminate similar-looking Abbott’s Babbler. Similarly drab White-chested and Sooty-capped babblers have longer tails and bills. Found in lowland and foothill forests. Typical song is a sharp chip followed by a whistled note or two: “chi puh-weee!”; Javan birds add a longer, ascending whistle to the end.
Rufous-throated Sapphire
Hylocharis sapphirina
A small hummingbird with a straight red bill with a black tip. Males have a green back with iridescent violet-blue underparts, a coppery tail, and a fluffy white vent. Females have grayish dark underparts with some dark spots on the chest. Note the rufous chin in both sexes, which can be hard to see. Mostly found in humid forests and wooded savannas.
Marabou Stork
Leptoptilos crumenifer
This huge, macabre-looking stork has a massive dagger-like bill and naked pink head and neck that appear severely sunburned. A white ruff and loose inflatable skin on the neck add to its odd appearance. It soars effortlessly at great heights searching for food; note its white belly in flight. Marabous are equally content in wetlands or in dry bush; they are most frequently encountered lurking near carrion, as they attend kills of major predators and will opportunistically snatch scraps. They also readily scavenge around humans and waste dumps.
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