Gray-headed Parrotbill
Paradoxornis gularis
A large cartoonishly-proportioned parrotbill of hilly forests. Oversized orange bill and gray head set it apart from any other parrotbills in its range. Namesake gray head is marked with a thick black eyebrow and throat, and contrasts smartly with a rich brown upper body and off-white breast and belly. Calls frequently, ranging from short trills and whistles to a harsh, rolling chatter. Often moves as a part of a mixed flock.
Taxonomy
The grey-headed parrotbill was alternatively considered as a member of the Old World babblers (family Timaliidae) or with the Sylviidae, but is now classified in the distinct family Paradoxornithidae by the IOC. Until 2008, the black-headed parrotbill was also considered as a subspecies of the grey-headed parrotbill.
- Scientific name
- Paradoxornis gularis
- Authority
- Gray, GR, 1845
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Paradoxornithidae
- Genus
- Paradoxornis
Range and habitat
The natural habitat of the grey-headed parrotbill is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- unknown
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Pied Falconet
Microhierax melanoleucos
Ridiculously adorable panda-faced raptor, usually found in extended family groups ranging in size from 4 to 20. Perches on exposed snags, sallying forth to catch prey; capable of taking passerines only slightly smaller than it is. Black above and white below, with a white face and a thick black stripe extending down behind the eye. Flight is fluttery but fast; black barring on the wings and tail is only visible in flight, as is a thick black streak on the armpit, reminiscent of Black-bellied Plover.
Bengal Bushlark
Plocealauda assamica
Small, stocky brown terrestrial bird with a relatively short tail. Note stout bill with slightly downcurved upper edge; also streaky back, speckled chest, buffy-pale underparts, and rufous panel in the wing. May be confused with other bushlarks with which it overlaps in range; averages darker, with less contrast between upperparts and underparts. Inhabits open plains and fields, sometimes with scattered shrubs and bushes. Gives buzzy repetitive song in flight, on the ground, or from a perch.
Western Parotia
Parotia sefilata
A large bird of mid-montane forest canopy. Male is mainly black with a white patch on the forehead, bronzy-scaled chest and 6 antennalike feathers projecting from the back of the head. Note the blue eye. The female is dark brown above with, heavily barred underparts, black head and white moustache stripe. The male has an elaborate dance at a terrestrial display court. The only parotia in range. Female similar to Vogelkop Lophorhina but Western Parotia female is larger with a moustache stripe and blue eyes. Vocalizations include parrotlike squawking and a loud nasal “raak!”.
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