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
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
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
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.
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