White-bellied Kingfisher
Corythornis leucogaster
Small and beautiful blue, rufous, and white kingfisher. Note the white stripe that runs across the center of the underparts all the way from the throat to the undertail. Found near streams and pools inside of rainforest. Secretive, solitary, and generally elusive. The call is a harsh “tshik,” often given in flight. Distinguished from similar kingfishers by the white belly stripe. Further distinguished from Malachite Kingfisher by its forest-dwelling habits.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Corythornis leucogaster
- Authority
- (Fraser, 1843)
- Order
- Coraciiformes
- Family
- Alcedinidae
- Genus
- Corythornis
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Rufous-headed Pygmy-Tyrant
Pseudotriccus ruficeps
Tiny, plump flycatcher found in the understory of subtropical and temperate cloud forest in the Andes. Not likely to be confused. Bright rufous head, wings, and tail contrast with olive back and breast. Belly slightly paler yellow. Sexes similar. Flits around the understory in singles or pairs, usually within forest. Best detected by its bill snaps or descending rattle call.
North Island Robin
Petroica longipes
A small charcoal-colored songbird endemic to New Zealand. Confined to central North Island and a few offshore predator-free islands. Favors mature native and exotic forest stands. Male is almost all black with a white spot above the bill. Female and juvenile grayer, with lighter patches on breast and throat. Can be incredibly confiding and curious about humans. It is possible to bring individuals out into the open by disturbing leaf litter and then sitting quietly. Actively flushes out prey with foot trembling and by flicking its wings and tail. Male song is a loud and simple phrase of notes including “pwee-pwee-pwee.”
Noronha Vireo
Vireo gracilirostris
Endemic to the island of Fernando de Noronha, where it is one of only two native songbirds. Has an olive-gray back and buffy-white underparts, recalling the reed warblers of the Old World. Note the buff eyebrow and dark eyes. Found in wooded habitat throughout the island, where it forages at all levels. The song is a musical "weet a weet, chewegoo, whit, whit".
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.