Sunda Owlet
Taenioptynx sylvaticus
A tiny brown owl of humid forest in mountains and foothills, with brown upperparts and white underparts with long, broad rufous-brown streaks. Tooting song is variable, though the most common pattern is “doot doot-doot doot do-do-do,” repeated every 10-30 seconds. Often sings during the day, and can be mistaken for a barbet, but the exact pattern of toots is unlike any barbet. Visually, could be mistaken for a scops-owl, but separated by the distinctive voice, the broad brown streaks below, and the lack of ear tufts.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Taenioptynx sylvaticus
- Authority
- (Bonaparte, 1850)
- Order
- Strigiformes
- Family
- Strigidae
- Genus
- Taenioptynx
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Ruddy Shelduck
Tadorna ferruginea
Striking and distinctive gooselike duck. Plumage bright ruddy overall with contrasting pale creamy head and neck; male has narrow black neck ring. Big white forewing patches striking in flight. Breeds in southeastern Europe and Central Asia, winters in South Asia. Often found around saline lakes; also reservoirs and agricultural fields. Escapees from waterfowl collections occasionally seen free-flying outside of native range.
Christmas Island White-eye
Zosterops natalis
One of only a handful of resident tree-dwelling songbirds on Christmas Island, and the only white-eye. Tiny warbler-like bird with an olive-yellow crown and back, soft gray underparts, and a slightly broken white eye-ring. Found throughout the island in wooded habitats, particularly forest edges. Social and active, foraging energetically in small to medium-sized flocks. Gives a variety of calls, including loud chatters, sparrow-like chirrups, and high-pitched “djirr” notes.
White-tailed Shrike
Lanioturdus torquatus
Odd and distinctive terrestrial batis. Has long legs, an upright posture, and a white tail with a black dot near the tip. Found in dry woodland and savanna, often in rocky areas. Spends most of its time on or near the ground, though it will perch up in bushes. Usually in pairs. Vocalizations include piercing whistles, low croaks, and ratcheting calls. Similar to batises, but terrestrial habits and white tail easily identify it.
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