Black-capped Apalis
Apalis nigriceps
A handsome apalis of forest and forest edge that is often found singly or in pairs. White underparts are bisected by a neat black chest band that is more noticeable in males than in females. Upperparts are yellow-green with a dark black cap and sides of head. Tail often held slightly cocked. Persistent song is a trill of varying length, often given as a duet with another bird doing shorter trills or repeated “tik tik tik” calls.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Apalis nigriceps
- Authority
- (Shelley, 1873)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Cisticolidae
- Genus
- Apalis
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Red-capped Cardinal
Paroaria gularis
Small, boldly colored tanager found in vegetation around lakes and rivers. Bright red head and black-and-white plumage are instantly recognizable. Quite social and often found in pairs or groups as they forage low in waterside vegetation. Frequently perches on branches sticking out of the water.
Rainbow Pitta
Pitta iris
Small black and green pitta with red undertail coverts and gleaming blue shoulder. Primarily green upperparts, with underparts mostly black head and underparts. Usually found feeding on the ground in rainforest patches with lots of leaf litter but has also been found in a wide variety of other habitats. During breeding season it can be quite vocal, particularly males. This is the only pitta resident in the Top End of the Northern Territory and in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Masked Duck
Nomonyx dominicus
Reclusive, rarely seen diving duck of tropical lowlands. Feeds mainly at night and spends much of the day sleeping quietly in marshy vegetation, often in small ponds and even in roadside ditches. Rarely seen in flight, but can spring into the air rather than run along the water. Male in breeding plumage has black face mask, bright blue bill, and dark rusty body. Female-plumaged birds are seen much more often: note buffy face with double dark face stripes.
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