White-bellied Robin-Chat

Cossyphicula roberti

Small, fairly plain brown-and-orange robin with a pale belly. Like a typical robin-chat, the tail has a dark center and orange sides. Found in middle-elevation montane forest, in the understory and mid-story. The song is a frantic-sounding, high-pitched, up-and-down twittering series. Similar to akalats, but separated by the black-and-orange tail pattern. Also similar to Mountain Robin-Chat, but separated by smaller size and white belly.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Cossyphicula roberti
Authority
(Alexander, 1903)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Muscicapidae
Genus
Cossyphicula

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Common Chlorospingus

Common Chlorospingus

Chlorospingus flavopectus

Active, social little bird of humid evergreen and pine-evergreen forest in foothills and highlands. Usually in small, twittering groups (at times up to 40 birds), moving at all levels through forest and edge, often at fruiting trees and bushes; commonly a core member of mixed-species feeding flocks. Rather drab but distinctive, with dull greenish upperparts, grayish to brownish head (varies regionally), and bold white patch behind the eye. Formerly known as Common Bush-Tanager.

American Barn Owl

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

Medium-sized owl with a heart-shaped facial disc and deep dark eyes; the only Tyto owl present across most of its range; on Hispaniola compare to Ashy-faced Owl. Varies across a wide range, but always note white-and-black speckling on the upperparts, beautiful gray-and-tawny wings, and large round head. Color of the facial disc and underparts varies from pure white to rusty orange. Hunts in open areas by night, foraging with a slow and buoyant flight. Roosts in old buildings, tree hollows, caves, and nest boxes by day. Gives a bone-chilling, rising shriek, as well as shorter rasping calls and insect-like clicks.

Violet Crow

Violet Crow

Corvus violaceus

An entirely blackish short-tailed crow. Has a subtle purplish sheen that is visible in only certain lighting conditions. Juveniles lack purple gloss. Inhabits forest, edge, and plantations in the lowlands and foothills. Singles, pairs, or small groups can be found in the canopy. Recently described from Seram, and perhaps also occurs on Ambon and Buru. Unmistakable, being the only crow on these islands. Gives an odd call for a crow: a nasal, trumpeting “errr.” Gives more crow-like sounds too, but higher-pitched than many sounds of the family, including a high-pitched, guttural “kreh-kreh…”.

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