Timor Oriole
Oriolus melanotis
Male is a distinctive oriole with a green head, dark mask, and orange-red bill. Duller female is brown above and paler below, with a dark mask and black bill. Juveniles are heavily streaked. Singles and pairs can be found in lowland forest patches, woodlands, mangroves, and cultivated areas. Females resemble Helmeted Friarbird, but lacks that species’ casque, naked facial skin, and a prominent nostril on the blunter-tipped bill. Gives a “k’WOW” and descending “k’we-hoo.”
Taxonomy
The Wetar oriole (O. finschi), found on Wetar and Atauro Islands, was originally described as a separate species but was later reclassified as a subspecies. However, more recent revisions to the IOC World Bird List have found it to be a distinct species. The two species were formerly grouped together as olive-brown oriole.
- Scientific name
- Oriolus melanotis
- Authority
- (Bonaparte, 1850)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Oriolidae
- Genus
- Oriolus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- unknown
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Curve-billed Scythebill
Campylorhamphus procurvoides
A brown, tree-climbing bird with a strongly curved bill. Appears small-headed; plumage is mostly rufous-brown with buffy streaking on head and neck. Found in tall rainforest, where it is uncommon and locally distributed; often occurs in areas with extensive bamboo thickets. Generally shy and rather difficult to observe. Forages at middle and upper levels, using extraordinary bill to probe into deep bark crevices, bromeliads, and broken bamboo stems. Regularly follows mixed-species flocks. Song is variable, usually an accelerating series of strident whistles. Curved bill should immediately distinguish this species from most other woodcreepers in range. In western and central Amazonia, may overlap with Red-billed Scythebill, from which it may not be safely separable unless singing.
Greater Yellownape
Chrysophlegma flavinucha
Brightly-colored medium-sized woodpecker with a moss-green back, a bright yellow nape, and a powerful pale bill. Gray underparts distinguish this species from the smaller Lesser Yellownape. Males have a white throat or moustache stripe, while females have a dark red one. Gives high-pitched yelps or “kee-eep!” notes. Found in various forested areas, but most common in hilly and montane areas; not a woodpecker of small parks and cities. Forages on trunks and along branches in pairs and flocks, both single- and mixed-species.
Crimson Sunbird
Aethopyga siparaja
A common sight throughout much of its range, this medium-sized sunbird can be found in parks, gardens, and plantations, as well as more pristine open forest and forest edge environments. Male is bright red with a dark gray belly and iridescent blue cap and “moustache.” Female is dull olive-yellow overall with brighter underparts. High, squeaky repetitive song is loud but often difficult to locate in high branches. Calls frequently, giving various squeaks and “tsip” notes while foraging.
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