Red-faced Crimsonwing

Cryptospiza reichenovii

Small, dark member of the waxbill family. The back is red, the wings and tail black, and the underparts dull olive. Males and females are similar, though males show a red patch on the face and females a pale yellow one. Found in middle-elevation montane forest, mainly in thick and wet areas, such as along streams, and including forest edge and glades. Inconspicuous bird that is usually found in pairs or small groups. The call is a high-pitched “tsit.” Similar in size and overall coloration to Abyssinian Crimsonwing, but paler, and shows red or yellow on the face.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Cryptospiza reichenovii
Authority
(Hartlaub, 1874)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Estrildidae
Genus
Cryptospiza

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
stable

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Black Scimitarbill

Black Scimitarbill

Rhinopomastus aterrimus

This all-black bird has a long, slim bill, and a fairly long tail. In flight, white bars across the wings are revealed. Birds in the eastern part of the range also have white in the outer tail, while the western birds have all-black tails. Found in a variety of savanna habitats. The call is a series of fluted, rising “wheet” notes; similar to Common Scimitarbill, but higher-pitched. Also similar in appearance to Common Scimitarbill, but there is little overlap in range, and Black is separated by its straighter bill and slightly shorter and less pointed tail. Separated from woodhoopoes by its shorter, less floppy, and squarer tail.

Gibberbird

Gibberbird

Ashbyia lovensis

Brightly colored, terrestrial songbird with upright posture found in arid stony plains of central Australia. Grayish brown above, yellow below, with yellow face and notably pale eye (Yellow Chat male has a completely yellow head). In flight, back is the same tone as wings and tail (Yellow Chat has yellow uppertail).

Falcated Wren-Babbler

Falcated Wren-Babbler

Ptilocichla falcata

A striking medium-sized bird of lowland and foothill forest floor or dense undergrowth on Palawan and Balabac. Often found near streams and gullies. Has a blackish body with long white streaks and contrasting rufous wings and tail blending to a blackish tip. Appears hooded, with orange from the crown to the back of the neck, a bright white throat with a fine black moustache stripe, and a black mask. Unmistakable in range. Voice includes slightly rising or falling long, alternating whistles, “puuuuui! piuuuuu!” or a quicker, repeated phrase, “chooit chi-peeet!”

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