Plain Sunbird
Anthreptes simplex
A medium-large sunbird with a rather thick, slightly decurved bill. Extremely plain: pale olive-yellow above and paler washed-out yellow below. Male has a small black “shield” on his forehead which the female lacks. Female readily distinguished from female Brown-throated and Red-throated Sunbirds by her unmarked face. Inhabits a wide range of forest types from lowlands into foothills but seems to favor coastal forest and forest edge. Forages and moves actively, like a warbler, gleaning insects from the foliage. Gives plaintive “tseee”s and “tsi”s.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Anthreptes simplex
- Authority
- (Müller, S, 1843)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Nectariniidae
- Genus
- Anthreptes
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
White-tailed Sabrewing
Campylopterus ensipennis
Large hummingbird with a mostly white tail, decurved bill, white spot behind eye, blue throat, and green body. Female has a whitish moustache, smaller blue throat patch, and dull underparts with green speckles. Locally common in humid forest, forest edges, Heliconia patches, coffee plantations, and banana plantations. Usually found singly; territorial, perching at medium levels or at the top in forest. Voice a series of bisyllabic “tzchink” notes. Restricted to Tobago and the Turimiquire and Paria regions of northeastern Venezuela.
Micronesian Megapode
Megapodius laperouse
A plump, mostly ground-dwelling bird with long yellowish legs, a dark blackish body, a tall light gray crest, a yellow bill, and a blood-red neck. Found in most habitats across the islands in its range, seemingly very adaptable. Local movements between islands frequently recorded. A loud species that calls often, most commonly giving a high-pitched squeaky “KEEK... KEEK KEEK” with a pause between the first and second notes. Unmistakable.
Spotted Catbird
Ailuroedus maculosus
Chunky rainforest bird with emerald green upperparts, black spot below the dark red eye, and green-olive underparts with extensive pale spotting. Inhabits the Wet Tropics of northern Queensland (Cairns region), thus does not overlap with similar Green Catbird. Forages mostly in middle and upper story of the rainforest. Compare female and juvenile Satin Bowerbird (with blue eye, darker bill). Spotted Catbird is well known for its characteristic catlike yowling call.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.