Yellow-throated Cuckoo
Chrysococcyx flavigularis
A small green-backed forest cuckoo of West and Central Africa. Males have a distinctive bright yellow throat and a brown-and-black barred belly, while females lack the yellow throat and have a brown-and-black barred face, throat, and breast. Can be located by its distinctive song, which is a series of up to 10 or more rapidly delivered clear whistles that speed up before quickly fading. Alternate call is an often overlooked “dwuit-tew” or “wait here.” Usually outnumbered by African Emerald Cuckoo, in which males have yellow bellies and green heads and females have more of a black-and-white barred appearance.
Identification
The yellow-throated cuckoo (Chrysococcyx flavigularis) is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It is sparsely present across the African tropical rainforest and Jos Plateau (northern Nigeria). It is threatened by deforestation. Yellow-throated cuckoos are obligate brood parasites; they always lay their eggs in other birds' nests. Their only known host is the grey-throated tit-flycatcher, (Myioparus griseigularis).
Taxonomy
Genus: Chrysococcyx; Family: Cuculidae; Order: Cuculiformes.
- Scientific name
- Chrysococcyx flavigularis
- Authority
- Shelley, 1880
- Order
- Cuculiformes
- Family
- Cuculidae
- Genus
- Chrysococcyx
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Phaethornis syrmatophorus
Large forest hummingbird with long decurved bill and long tail. Rich buffy belly and rump, obvious pale eyebrow and mustache stripe. Elongated central tail feathers with white tips, like many other large hermits. Found in subtropical forest understory in the Andes from Colombia to northern Peru, usually from 1,500–2,300 m. Higher elevation than other hermits. Usually flies by quickly in the dark forest understory uttering a piercing “tseet!” call, occasionally stopping to feed at flowers, especially Heliconia. Rarely visits feeders.
Orange-bellied Leafbird
Chloropsis hardwickii
The only leafbird within its range with an orange belly. Male is unmistakable with a blue-and-black face pattern, a solid orange belly, and green-and-blue wings. Female is green all over with blue cheeks and less extensive orange on the belly. The female can be confused with female Blue-winged Leafbird, but Orange-bellied has an orange belly and more blue on the face than Blue-winged Leafbird. Often moves about quietly in the upper layers of hilly and montane forests, gleaning insects from branches and foraging at fruiting and flowering trees. Frequently incorporates the songs and calls of other species into its vocalizations.
Painted Sandgrouse
Pterocles indicus
This beautifully-patterned bird looks like a cross between a dove and a pheasant. Male is warm sandy-brown with bold brown, black, and white stripes. Female is much more densely and intricately striped all over her body. A species of inland plains, plateaus, and other open areas. Flocks to water after dusk, often giving bubbling clicks while doing so.
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