Ratchet-tailed Treepie

Temnurus temnurus

Bizzare black corvid which would closely resemble a drongo were it not for its jagged chainsaw of a tail. Not as conspicuous as the more well-known Gray and Rufous treepies, which can be common in urban gardens and parks. Usually sticks to densely-vegetated primary forest, as well as scrubby forest edges and secondary growth. Often seen in small family units, with pairs engaging in loud duets. Gives screechy “klee” and “klee’aw” calls, as well as rising squawks.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Temnurus temnurus
Authority
(Temminck, 1825)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Corvidae
Genus
Temnurus

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

White-throated Ground Dove

White-throated Ground Dove

Pampusana xanthonura

This dove is accurately but misleadingly-named, for the male’s whole upper body is white, not just his throat; he also has a wine-red patch on the back and upperwing. Female is dirt-brown with darker back and wings. Inhabits the Northern Mariana Islands and Yap, in the Caroline Islands. Found in both pristine and degraded forest, often near habitated areas. Forages primarily on the ground on Yap and in trees and bushes on the Marianas. Coos are deep and sonorous.

Ruddy Tody-Flycatcher

Ruddy Tody-Flycatcher

Poecilotriccus russatus

A small, charismatic bird of tepui highland forests. Note orange-rufous face and breast, short tail, and bold wing bars. Found only at higher elevations (above 1000 meters) in understory of humid forest with lush growth of mosses and epiphytes; usually in pairs that may join mixed-species flocks but are often found away from them. Forages deliberately, making short flights between perches and peering about for insect prey. Voice is a hollow, rolling purr, descending in pitch and usually preceded by one or two short notes; it is given intermittently and often in duet by a pair. A distinctive bird and unlikely to be confused with other species in its limited range.

Taiwan Whistling-Thrush

Taiwan Whistling-Thrush

Myophonus insularis

Large songbird, blackish-blue with metallic sheen, appearing black from a distance and in poor lighting. Up close, a brighter blue patch on the shoulder and dark red irides are diagnostic. Frequently bobs and fans tail. Inhabits streamside areas in shaded forests. Gives piercing whistles frequently; less frequently heard song is melodic and consists of assorted whistles and trills.

Start Your Bird Watching Journey

Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.