Dusky-cheeked Fig-Parrot
Nannopsittacus melanogenia
A small, short-tailed parrot of lowland forest and edge, mainly at low elevations. Green body with dark blue in the wing, and a dark forecrown and cheek. Males have a white line separating the cheek, crown and bill, and usually an orange chest. Female has a darker face, less orange on the breast, and an orange patch behind the dark cheek. Usually found in small groups. Most similar to Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, but Dusky-cheeked has blackish instead of red forecrown and cheek, and an orange breast. Calls a sharp, high-pitched “tsik!” or excited twittering which often betrays their presence in a tree.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Nannopsittacus melanogenia
- Authority
- (Rosenberg, HKB, 1866)
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittaculidae
- Genus
- Nannopsittacus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Costa's Hummingbird
Calypte costae
Small hummingbird of desert habitats in southwestern U.S., western Mexico, and Baja. Compact and short-tailed with a slightly drooping bill. Male has a brilliant purple crown and throat that extends down to a point on each side; can appear black in poor lighting. Females are plainer with greenish back and dingy grayish underparts. Note pale eyebrow that wraps around the dark cheek, droopy bill, and dumpy, short-tailed shape to help separate from similar hummingbirds (especially Anna’s and Black-chinned). Wanders from the desert after breeding, visiting more varied habitats including backyards with sugar water feeders. Listen for very high-pitched song.
Ornate Melidectes
Melidectes torquatus
A common and fairly large honeyeater of lower and mid-montane forest and clearings. Distinctively patterned with a black back scaled white, white belly with black scalloped flanks, black breast band, black head with large-orange yellow eye wattle, black chin and a small red mark in the base of the bill. Other melidectes co-occur but are larger and none have the white belly and breastband. Call, a loud, hollow “chok!” often followed by a slightly raspy, hollow warble.
Gray-throated Leaftosser
Sclerurus albigularis
Shy forest denizen, found on the ground. Rummages through leaf litter on the forest floor. Fairly small and plump, with a slightly decurved bill and short tail. Body is warm rufous-brown, which contrasts with the gray throat. Sexes alike. Difficult to see; more often heard: listen for a short series of ascending squeaky whistles, sometimes followed by a more rapid chatter.
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