Schneider's Pitta
Hydrornis schneideri
Large-headed and long-legged, this rare and rotund Sumatran endemic is found only in foothill forests between 900 to 2400 meters (typically in the upper half), where it is most easily detected by its strange song, a spaceship-like “oowOOOOwooWOOH.” Male has a sky-blue back and incomplete black collar, while the female has a dull brownish back and a dull blue tail. Both sexes have a rich cinnamon crown and nape, as well as a dark line extending behind the eye. Juvenile is strange-looking, with white spots on the crown, wings, and breast. Forages quietly on the forest floor, either singly or in pairs.
Identification
Schneider's pitta (Hydrornis schneideri) is a species of bird in the family Pittidae. It is endemic to Sumatra in Indonesia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. It is threatened by habitat loss. It was rediscovered in 1988 after last being seen in 1918.
Taxonomy
Genus: Hydrornis; Family: Pittidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Hydrornis schneideri
- Authority
- (Hartert, EJO, 1909)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pittidae
- Genus
- Hydrornis
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds

Greater Scaup
Aythya marila
Round-headed diving duck. Males have black breast, medium gray back, white sides, and yellow eye. Head appears black with a greenish sheen in good lighting, never purplish. Females are brown overall, grayer on body in winter, with white patch at base of bill and yellow eye. Very similar to Lesser Scaup; note smoothly rounded head without tall peak, puffier cheeks, more extensive white stripe on wing in flight, and larger, broader bill. Can be similar to immature male and female Tufted Duck, but note smoothly rounded head and more extensive white bill base patch in females. Often in flocks with other Aythya ducks. Tends to prefer saltwater bays and coves, but also found in freshwater.

Golden Whistler
Pachycephala pectoralis
Compact songbird with short bill. Males in much of range are olive above, yellow below, with white throat set in black head; males and females on Norfolk Island are olive-brown with yellowish underparts (brightest on undertail). Females vary across range, with eastern birds having some amount of yellow on the underparts and western birds (formerly treated as full species, “Western Whistler”) being gray-brown above and pale below, lacking yellow. Olive Whistler much browner below, with well-defined whitish bib. Inhabits a great variety of habitats. Bright, whistled song varies, but often has a whip-like ending.

Black Scoter
Melanitta americana
Plump diving duck, typically seen in flocks in coastal areas. Males are completely black with bright orange knob on the bill. Females are brown overall with pale cheek and contrasting dark cap. Note potbellied shape and rounded head in flight. Typically coastal, but migrates over land especially in the Northeast U.S. Often gathers in tight flocks. Dives frequently, feeding on aquatic invertebrates. Breeds on ponds in Arctic tundra.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.