Red-billed Helmetshrike
Prionops caniceps
Attractive and unusual helmetshrike with a bright red bill, a black back, and chestnut on the underparts. In the eastern part of the range, has more white on the underparts and more black on the face. In the west, has more chestnut below, and more gray on the face. Found in the canopy of lowland and mid-elevation humid forest. Almost always in pairs or small groups. The complex and varied calls include whistles, rasps, and chirps. Separated from other helmetshrikes by the chestnut underparts.
Identification
Attractive and unusual helmetshrike with a bright red bill, a black back, and chestnut on the underparts. In the eastern part of the range, has more white on the underparts and more black on the face. In the west, has more chestnut below, and more gray on the face. Found in the canopy of lowland and mid-elevation humid forest. Almost always in pairs or small groups. The complex and varied calls include whistles, rasps, and chirps. Separated from other helmetshrikes by the chestnut underparts.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Prionops caniceps
- Authority
- (Bonaparte, 1850)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Vangidae
- Genus
- Prionops
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Orange-breasted Thornbird
Phacellodomus ferrugineigula
Medium-sized, long-tailed thornbird with a brown body and a rufous forehead and throat. The tail is rufous with a brown center. Resembles Orange-eyed Thornbird, but has dark eyes. An inhabitant of wet marshy areas with scattered trees, where unlike others thornbirds it builds large woven nests of grass, leaves, and stems. Song is a series of loud ringing notes, usually delivered as a duet.
Vinaceous Rosefinch
Carpodacus vinaceus
Medium-sized finch of hilly and montane forests and dense brushy forest edge. Male is the color of red wine, with crisp lilac eyebrows. Female is dark buffy-brown with faint streaks on the back and breast. Forages on the ground near or in dense shrubs and bushes. Gives sharp bunting-like “zip” and “zink.”
Tawny Lark
Galerida deva
A pale yellowish-brown lark with a long, spiky crest and a thick, short bill. The heavy streaking on the upperparts contrasts strongly with the rest of the plumage. Similar to the Malabar and Crested Larks, but Tawny is smaller, with minimal streaking on the breast, paler cheeks, and a different bill shape. It is found in dry, stony fields and grassland. Sings in flight with relaxed wingbeats. The song is extraordinarily rich, long, and continuous, including complex and effortless imitations of other species.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.