Spotted Crocias
Laniellus albonotatus
Long-tailed and thick-billed relative of the laughingthrushes, found only in foothill and lower montane forests on Java. Hops about in the upper levels of the forest, often in small single-species groups, as well as mixed flocks. When seen from below, note the bright white throat, black face, pale yellowish belly, and dark undertail with white-tipped feathers. If seen at a level angle, note rust-and-white striped back and sides. Fast, repetitive, up-and-down song is often given by multiple birds at once.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Laniellus albonotatus
- Authority
- (Lesson, RP, 1831)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Laniidae
- Genus
- Laniellus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Crested Serpent-Eagle
Spilornis cheela
A rather large, heavily built eagle with a dark, white-tipped bushy crest that gives it a distinctive large-headed look. When raised in alarm, the crest frames the whole face, highlighting the bare yellow lores and eyes, making the head look larger and fiercer. The rufous-brown underparts have neatly arranged dark-edged bold white spots. In flight, shows broad rounded wings with a wide black trailing edge. Juvenile predominantly white with dark streaks below; also note dark mask. Commonly seen perched upright in well-wooded areas, with wingtips nearly covering the broad white sub-terminal band on the tail. Its 1-3 note scream is often heard in the forest.
Ruddy Pigeon
Patagioenas subvinacea
Fairly small pigeon, pinkish-rufous overall, darker on wings. Sexes alike. Heard more often than seen, but sometimes perches conspicuously atop the canopy. Found in forested areas, generally at lower elevations. Where range overlaps with the very similar Short-billed Pigeon, Ruddy tends to be found at higher elevations. Also note slightly different voice: a clipped hooting song, “hit the foul pole!”
Greater Hoopoe-Lark
Alaemon alaudipes
A unique, large desert lark. On the ground, plumage is unimpressive with spotted breast and overall sandy tones, but in flight a magnificent white-and-black pattern is exposed. Males are slightly brighter-patterned than females. Bill is long and downcurved. Constantly runs on its long legs. Breeds on sandy and stony plains and low hills. Resident or nomadic. Song is a beautiful ascending series on flutey whistles followed by a descending trill; often given in a dramatic vertical display flight.
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