Zappey's Flycatcher
Cyanoptila cumatilis
Very similar to Blue-and-white Flycatcher (breeding grounds do not overlap). Females and juveniles are essentially unidentifiable while on migration unless seen with an adult male, which is radiant, electric blue above and white below, lacking the contrasting black throat and breast of Blue-and-white, instead transitioning more smoothly from blue to white. Pale gray smudging on the flanks, while more difficult to see, can also serve to differentiate the two. Song is a thrush-like series of bright, slightly slurred warbles and whistles. Breeds in submontane mixed forests in northern China; wintering grounds little-known, but presumably at a similar altitudinal range in evergreen forests.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Cyanoptila cumatilis
- Authority
- Thayer & Bangs, 1909
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Cyanoptila
Range and habitat
- Breeding range
- PAL : c, ec China
- Non-breeding range
- to Malay Pen., Sumatra and Java
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Makatea Fruit-Dove
Ptilinopus chalcurus
A relatively slender fruit-dove that appears mostly green with a greenish belly, a silver chest and head, a magenta forehead, and an orange bill. Similar to Atoll Fruit-Dove, but much more boldly colored, with dark instead of pink legs. The two species are unlikely to be found on the same islands. Call is usually a couple of longer “woo” notes followed by an accelerated “laughing.”
Brown Creeper
Certhia americana
Tiny, cryptic woodland songbird, unique in North America. White below and streaked brown-and-buff above; blends into tree bark very easily. Also note narrow, decurved bill and long tail. In flight, shows a bold buffy wing stripe. When foraging, often starts near the base of a tree trunk, hitches upward in short, jerky motions until it nears the top, then flies to the base of a nearby tree to begin the process again. Found in mature woodland, especially with conifers. Often joins mixed flocks with other songbirds, especially in winter. Listen for high, thin calls and sweet cascading song.
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.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.