Malagasy Sunbird
Cinnyris notatus
Large, dark sunbird with a long, curved bill. Males are glossy green and black, while females are dark brown with heavy streaking below. Found in forest, plantations, gardens, and scrub. Active bird that feeds mainly on nectar. Common call is a simple “cheep,” sometimes repeated quickly. Dark males are distinctive. Females can be told from female Souimanga Sunbird by their larger size, larger bill, and heavy streaking below.
Taxonomy
The taxon moebii, by most authorities considered a subspecies of the Long-billed Green Sunbird, has occasionally been considered a separate species, the Comoro green sunbird (Cinnyris moebii).
- Scientific name
- Cinnyris notatus
- Authority
- (Müller, PLS, 1776)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Nectariniidae
- Genus
- Cinnyris
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Mekong Wagtail
Motacilla samveasnae
Large black-and-white wagtail with an intricately and uniquely striped head pattern. Wings and outer tail feathers flash brightly in flight. Adult male is black-backed, while the female and immature have a duller gray-brown back. Simple song is a compilation of a few high phrases of whistles and twitters. Call is harsh and buzzy. Found only around flowing lowland rivers with braided rocky sections, specifically a unique composite of gravel and sand bars with low vegetation and boulders.
Chestnut Munia
Lonchura atricapilla
A small, plump reddish brown finch with a black head and thick silvery-blue bill. Immatures are plain sandy brown with slightly darker wings. Often seen in flocks, usually in grassy areas, including lawns, but also marshes and rice paddies; prefers wetter areas than Scaly-breasted Munia. Gives soft pipping and clinking notes; song includes quiet slurred whistles and bill clicks. Native to southeastern Asia, but introduced to numerous areas including the Hawaiian Islands, Japan, Ecuador, and Jamaica.
Black-hooded Oriole
Oriolus xanthornus
A distinctive medium-sized yellow bird with a black head and breast, black flight feathers, and a red bill. In flight, the black band towards the tail tip is visible. Juvenile is duller overall with a white streaked throat and a darker bill. Often feeds on fruiting trees with a preference for figs in wooded gardens, groves, and open forests. The song is rich, fluty, and mellow. Calls include raspy, nasal notes that can sound like a croak.
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