Forbes's Plover
Thinornis forbesi
Pretty plover that is found in both wet and dry habitats. Note the black cap, gray forehead, white stripe behind the eye, and two black bands across the breast. In flight, shows a small amount of white on the trailing edge of the wings and the corners of the tail. Found in a variety of open habitats, such as short grassland (including recently burned areas), cultivation, and muddy wetland edges. At least partially migratory. The call is a plaintive “treeow” which is sometimes given in a rolling series. Very similar to Three-banded Plover, but separated by the dark gray rather than pale forehead, and by the thicker lower breast band.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Thinornis forbesi
- Authority
- (Shelley, 1883)
- Order
- Charadriiformes
- Family
- Charadriidae
- Genus
- Thinornis
Range and habitat
- Breeding range
- AF : inland Guinea to South Sudan, Zambia and Angola
- Non-breeding range
- to nw Uganda
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Conservation
- Population trend
- unknown
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Stitchbird
Notiomystis cincta
A medium-sized songbird endemic to New Zealand, restricted to predator-free offshore islands and North Island mainland sanctuaries. Male has a black head with conspicuous white ear tufts and a white wingbar. Note the vibrant yellow neck and shoulder band. Females and juveniles only have the white wingbar. Curious by nature, confidently approaching people at close range. Despite this, the species can be difficult to spot due to its rapid movements. Both sexes give a high-pitched, single-noted “titch” warning call. Males also produce whistled calls of 2-3 notes. Females can be distinguished from bellbirds by lack of green coloration. Also note the constantly cocked tail and the white wing patches.
Chilean Flicker
Colaptes pitius
No similar species in its range. Found in woodland, forest, matorral, and farmland with taller trees and hedges; often feeds on the ground. In some areas of central Chile nests in colonies in dirt bluffs, such as along roadsides; elsewhere usually nests in holes drilled in trees. Note the gray crown and plain buffy face (with dark whisker on male), big white rump patch, and yellow shafts to wing feathers (mainly visible in flight). Loud shrieking calls sometimes draw attention.
Brown-bellied Stipplethroat
Epinecrophylla gutturalis
Tiny bird; forages actively, probing into dead leaves suspended in vegetation. Note small size, overall brownish coloration, and pale eyes. Pairs or family groups join mixed-species flocks in the understory and are rarely seen away from them; does not ascend to middle strata or canopy. Most common call is a thin, descending trill.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.