Sulawesi Babbler
Pellorneum celebense
A plump, small, long-legged nondescript brown songbird with paler underparts that vary from whitish to buffy in different parts of the range. Found singly or in pairs, on or near the ground, in understory of lowland and foothill forest and forest edges. Restricted to Sulawesi and the Togian and Butung islands, where it is the only babbler present. Long legs, plain overall appearance, and ground-loving habits make it readily identified within its small range. A vocal species with bold calls, including a musical “dewiyou-dee-dee” and repetitive cries of “KEER-KEER-KEER…”.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Pellorneum celebense
- Authority
- (Strickland, 1849)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pellorneidae
- Genus
- Pellorneum
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
White-faced Ibis
Plegadis chihi
Long decurved bill. Dark overall with iridescent green and reddish tones on adults. Broad white border to reddish face and red eyes. Found mainly in shallow wetlands of the western U.S. Best distinguished from Glossy Ibis by range and facial pattern. Also note more subtle features: reddish legs and paler bronzy tones to wings.
Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove
Ptilinopus regina
Tiny green and yellow dove. Yellow-orange belly and vent (note Superb Fruit-Dove has a white belly and vent). Pink forehead, gray face and neck, and often a pinkish area on upper belly. Found in rainforests, but also in coastal vine forest. This species calls frequently, and typically with a long series of gradually accelerating notes.
Great Elaenia
Elaenia dayi
Very large brownish elaenia found only in the tepui region. Note the small, rounded head with only a vaguely crested look, and broken whitish eyering. Brown upperparts contrast with paler olive-gray underparts; also has pale wingbars. Typically found alone or in pairs, perching on the top of small trees and bushes. Occurs in scrub, forest edges, and savanna with small trees. Vocalizations are loud and variable; one common variation is a “SQUEE’ch’ch’ch-cheet-cheet” with both nasal and chattering notes. With a poor view can be surprisingly similar to Black-billed Thrush, but that species lacks wingbars and has a longer bill.
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