Spot-throated Babbler
Pellorneum albiventre
Shy, skulky, frustratingly difficult to see, and not much to look at if seen well. A species of foothill and submontane open forest and forest edge, usually tucked well away in dense, tangled undergrowth. Brown overall with a pale, faintly streaked throat. East Indian subspecies has a white belly, while others are unmarked brown all over. Very similar to Buff-breasted Babbler, which has a clean, unstriped pale throat and is more slender in its build. Spot-throated’s song is musical and variable, usually incorporating clear whistles, lower chirrs and chatters, and imitations of other species. Calls are usually composed of low chattering or clicking notes.
Identification
The spot-throated babbler (Pellorneum albiventre) is a species of bird in the family Pellorneidae. It is found mainly in Eastern Bangladesh, Bhutan, Northeast India, Yunnan, Myanmar and Vietnam. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Taxonomy
Genus: Pellorneum; Family: Pellorneidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Pellorneum albiventre
- Authority
- (Godwin-Austen, 1877)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pellorneidae
- Genus
- Pellorneum
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Trichoglossus borneus
A spectacular red parrot with an orange bill, scattered dark purple-blue wing markings, a blue base to the undertail, and a dark tail. Juveniles are duller, with less blue. Found in pairs or small groups in the upper levels of forests, mangroves, and plantations within lowlands and foothills. Differs from Blue-eared Lory in the less extensive dark color to the base of the undertail and the absence of blue cheek markings. Noisy, giving harsh shrieks mostly in flight: “EEK” notes and two-tone “kirup” calls.
Maccoa Duck
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Medium-sized, chunky, oddly shaped, big-billed duck. Long tail is sometimes cocked up to produce a distinctive silhouette. Breeding male has a black head, rufous body, and blue bill. Female and non-breeding male are dark brown with white head stripes. Prefers freshwater wetlands such as lakes, ponds, and lagoons, though sometimes found on saline lakes. Floats low on the water. Rarely seen in flight; prefers to dive to flee disturbance. Odd shape is unlike any other duck in its range. Colorful breeding male is distinctive.
Gray Cuckooshrike
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Large, chunky, all-gray cuckooshrike. There is a pale ring around the dark eye, giving the face a gentle appearance. Males are darker gray than females. Found in forest; away from South Africa, exclusively in montane forest. Quiet and unobtrusive bird that is easily missed as it moves slowly through the forest midstory. Call is a quiet, high-pitched, descending “seeeeuup.” Similar to White-breasted Cuckooshrike, but has much darker underparts and is found in forest rather than woodland.
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