West Indian Woodpecker

Melanerpes superciliaris

A medium-sized woodpecker of drier forests including palm groves. Its strongly barred back eliminates all other species in it range except for Northern and Fernandina’s Flickers, but both flickers lack the West Indian Woodpecker’s extensively red nape and hind-crown. The barring on the back of the Northern Flicker is also far less pronounced than it is on West Indian Woodpecker. Common vocalizations include a staccato “pee-uh-uh-uh-uh…” with accent on first note, and emphatic bursts of “bluhhh, bluhhh, bluhhh,” with notes that are both harsh and slightly trilled.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Melanerpes superciliaris
Authority
(Temminck, 1827)
Order
Piciformes
Family
Picidae
Genus
Melanerpes

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Common Newtonia

Common Newtonia

Newtonia brunneicauda

Energetic and pugnacious little plain-brown vanga. The eye is white, and the center of the chest usually orange. Madagascar endemic that is found in all types of forest. Constantly on the move through the mid-story, usually in pairs. Often joins flocks with vangas and other mid-sized birds. Song is an explosive, rollicking series of two-parted notes: “chi-pu, chi-pu, chi-pu….” Pale eye and paler overall coloration separate it from Dark Newtonia. Pale eye also separates Common Newtonia from the rare Red-tailed Newtonia. Similar to Archbold’s Newtonia, but without rufous around the eye.

Jamaican Euphonia

Jamaican Euphonia

Euphonia jamaica

A very small and active inhabitant of most wooded habitats and gardens where it forages mostly on fruits and flowers. Note this species’ short, stubby bill, and mostly gray head and underparts. The Orangequit is somewhat similar but is readily distinguished by its longer and slightly curved bill. Additionally, male Orangequits are darker gray and have an orange throat, while female Orangequits have brown upperparts. Song is rapid-fire jumble of squeaks, whistles, and buzzes. The call note is a sharp “tseet.” Jamaican Euphonias also give a scratchy, squeaky “bao,” which is given singly, in series, or interjected into songs.

Yellow-vented Bulbul

Yellow-vented Bulbul

Pycnonotus goiavier

The most common urban bulbul in Southeast Asia, this attractive songster is a common sight in cities, parks, and plantations, as well as in open forests, edges, and secondary growth. Brown above and whitish below with a bright yellow vent and a thick black line between the bill and the eye. Front edge of the weak, slightly peaked crest is also dark. Gives rolling, variable song and bubbly multiple-note calls.

Start Your Bird Watching Journey

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