Red-vented Barbet

Psilopogon lagrandieri

The brown-and-gray head of this barbet sets it apart from the bright facial patterns of most other species. Specks of blue, red, and yellow on the face are visible at close range. Body is emerald green with some tan-yellow hints on the underside and a red vent. Pale lower bill and pale throat give the head an oddly long appearance. Inhabits forests from lowland regions up into montane areas. Gives succinct mellow whistles at regular intervals, typically from sheltered perches up in the forest canopy.

Identification

Its plumage is green to bronze-coloured. Its head is brown with greyish patches on the throat and sides and a blue line above the eyes. It has a red patch below the tail. It is 29–34 cm (11–13 in) long.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Psilopogon lagrandieri
Authority
(Verreaux, J, 1868)
Order
Piciformes
Family
Megalaimidae
Genus
Psilopogon

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Saddle-billed Stork

Saddle-billed Stork

Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis

A tall, lanky, black-and-white stork with a unique red, yellow, and black bill. The male has dark-brown eyes, and the female has yellow eyes. In flight, the bird’s massive size, and the dark bands in the center of the white wings are diagnostic. Scarce but conspicuous; mostly resident but can be partially nomadic in parts of the range. Found singly or in pairs at rivers and large undisturbed wetlands, foraging for favorites like catfish, but it will also take frogs, birds, and insects.

Mountain Mouse-Warbler

Mountain Mouse-Warbler

Origma robusta

A small, common but skulking bird of upper-montane forest understory. Dark brown upperparts, pale brown underparts and usually a white throat. Races differ, some males having a dark chest band and others uniformly buffy or pale below. Males usually have paler eyes than females. Similar to Large Scrubwren, but Mountain Mouse-Warbler lacks the rusty face. Variable, almost thrushlike song of loud, whistled notes. Also give scolding “chak!” and rasping calls.

Common Bulbul

Common Bulbul

Pycnonotus barbatus

Rather nondescript thrush-sized brown bird with a darker face and throat. The belly is pallid and the undertail white (north part of range) or yellow (south part of range). Often in small flocks and not easily missed due to its noisy, repetitive, and powerful song. Also frequently makes harsh chattering calls. Present in many wooded habitats, absent only from dense forest or treeless desert. Often found in well-vegetated areas in dry landscapes such as gardens, orchards, and oases.

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