Solomons Cicadabird
Edolisoma holopolium
The male is a striking black-and-gray cicadabird; pitch black below and on the face, leaving a light gray cap and upperside. The tail is also black. The female is mostly powder-gray with diagnostic uniformly dark slate flight feathers and tail. Found in forest at low and moderate elevations on the Solomon Islands. Male is similar to Central Melanesian Cicadabird, but distinguished by its paler upperparts and darker underparts. Most common vocalization is a rasping, upslurred “vvr-reeeoo” or a series of these notes. Also gives a bleating call.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Edolisoma holopolium
- Authority
- (Sharpe, 1888)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Campephagidae
- Genus
- Edolisoma
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Pale Mountain-Pigeon
Gymnophaps solomonensis
A long-tailed pigeon with striking plumage contrast. Dark gray on the back and wings with an entirely white underside and tail. Dark back feathers intricately scalloped with black edges. Found singly or in small groups in forest. Often seen flying above the canopy. Combination of pale yellow bill and striking contrast separates this species from other pigeons. Rarely vocal, but has occasionally been heard giving a nasal wheezing call.
Rusty-capped Fulvetta
Schoeniparus dubius
This small brown fulvetta would be drab were it not for its sharp white brow and orange forehead. Inhabits hilly and montane forests and adjacent secondary growth and gardens. Moves in small to medium-sized flocks, less frequently with other species than other fulvettas. Calls are comprised primarily of rattles and trills. Song is short and simple, a phrase of three to four sweet-sounding notes, with the last note tending to be the sharpest and loudest.
Nazca Booby
Sula granti
Large seabird, very similar to Masked Booby. Long and pointy on all ends: wings, tail, and bill. Adults mostly gleaming white with black flight feathers and face; note pinkish-orange (not yellow) bill to help separate from adult Masked. Young birds darker overall with brown head contrasting with white belly and dirty brown markings on underwings; very similar to young Masked or even adult Brown Booby. Found in the Pacific Ocean from Mexico to Peru where it feeds on fish; breeds on rocky islands, especially the Galapagos.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.