South Moluccan Sunbird
Cinnyris clementiae
Tiny and active sunbird of forest edges and open woodlands, endemic to the South Moluccas and Kai Islands. Male is olive above, with an extensive iridescent blue-black throat and a black breast and belly. Female is olive above, with a bright yellow eyebrow and underparts. Compare with the more uniformly iridescent black male and the gray-headed, plainer female of Black Sunbird. In both sexes, note white tail edges that are flared out in flight. Gives descending “chew” calls, sometimes in accelerating series, as well as a fizzy song. Formerly grouped with other, closely related species under “Olive-backed Sunbird.”
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Cinnyris clementiae
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Nectariniidae
- Genus
- Cinnyris
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
White-throated Sierra Finch
Idiopsar erythronotus
Rather inconspicuous “finch” that is actually a tanager; found very locally on bogs and rocky slopes of the high Andes. Usually in pairs (sexes look similar) or small groups, feeding quietly on the ground and not associating with other seed-eating birds. Gray overall; white throat patch not as bold and contrasting (unlike throat patch on Glacier Finch, which occurs in the same areas). Note plain gray head and big black panel on closed wing. Immature has brownish wash to back; compare with immature Red-backed Sierra Finch.
Indian Pond-Heron
Ardeola grayii
A small heron that is common in most aquatic habitats across the Indian subcontinent. Adults in breeding plumage have a dark reddish brown back that contrasts with a yellowish head, neck, and breast. In nonbreeding plumage they are virtually indistinguishable from nonbreeding Chinese Pond-Heron. In flight, adults appear surprisingly white due to their strikingly white wings, underparts, and tail. Although typically solitary, large numbers often gather where food is plentiful. Prone to seasonally local movements and vagrancy.
Golden-green Woodpecker
Piculus chrysochloros
This medium-sized woodpecker has a large range from Panama to southeast Brazil. Both sexes are olive-green above and barred below with an obvious yellow stripe on the face. Males also have a red crown. There are several subspecies that differ primarily in facial pattern and color of the underparts; some males have a red mustache stripe and brighter yellow underparts. Singles or pairs are found in lowland forests from middle levels to the canopy, sometimes following mixed-species flocks.
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