Marquesan Ground Dove

Pampusana rubescens

A rotund, short-legged ground-dwelling dove that usually runs rather than flies when startled. Slate-gray belly contrasts with paler gray chest and head, and with purplish shoulders and back. No similar species occur in its range. Apparently rarely vocal, but has been heard giving a snarling sound.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Pampusana rubescens
Authority
(Vieillot, 1818)
Order
Columbiformes
Family
Columbidae
Genus
Pampusana

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
stable

Photos

Distribution

Other Birds

Utupua Whistler

Utupua Whistler

Pachycephala utupuae

Brightly-colored male has a bright golden belly, a black chest band and head, and a clean white throat. He appears to have a black “shawl” with golden wings and a black tail. Female is considerably duller, being olive-brownish above and yellow below, with a pale throat and brown breast. Endemic to Utupua, in the southeastern Solomons, where it is found in most island habitats, though avoids villages. Voice includes a sequence of sparsely spaced, thin, uninspired whistles. Formerly grouped with Vanikoro Whistler and Nendo Whistler under “Temotu Whistler.”

Gray-throated Bulbul

Gray-throated Bulbul

Alophoixus frater

A medium-sized bird of lowland and foothill forest and edge on Palawan and neighboring islands. Yellow below with an olive-green back, brown wings and tail, a gray cheek, and a white throat. Note the fairly stout bill and slightly flattened bushy crest. Somewhat similar to Palawan Babbler, but has a yellow belly, an obvious crest, and dark eyes. Voice consists of three descending high-pitched notes, or else a rattling trill followed by dry staccato notes.

Peruvian Thick-knee

Peruvian Thick-knee

Hesperoburhinus superciliaris

Distinctive, large nocturnal “shorebird” of dry desert habitats in lowlands. Note the big pale eyes, striped head, and long pale yellowish legs. Favors sandy and stony soils, often with scattered vegetation; even found in small dirt lots in towns and villages, where it seems fairly tolerant of people. Usually found as pairs or small groups. Spends the day resting, often sitting on the ground in the shade. Prefers to run, rather than fly when alarmed. Active at night, when far-carrying yaps reveal its presence.

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