Cinnamon-chested Flycatcher

Ficedula buruensis

A small bicolored flycatcher, uniform blackish above with an apricot throat and breast. On Buru, orange restricted to throat and breast, and belly is white. Elsewhere, underparts are entirely orange. Found in understory, perching low, within forests of lowlands and foothills, singly or in pairs that join mixed-species flocks. Confined to the South Moluccas. Distinguished from Snowy-browed Flycatcher by absense of facial markings. Gives a high-pitched song, “tsi-tsi-tsew-tsew-twew,” that rises at start and descends at end. Also gives harsh, metallic “tchik” notes and mournful whistles, “tsew-tsew-tsew.”

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Ficedula buruensis
Authority
(Hartert, EJO, 1899)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Muscicapidae
Genus
Ficedula

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Oilbird

Oilbird

Steatornis caripensis

This bizarre nocturnal fruit-eating bird is unlikely to be mistaken. It is entirely rufous-brown with small white spots on the wings, tail, and body. The pinkish bill is strongly hooked. Sexes similar. Breeds and roosts in colonies in caves or steep dark ravines. Difficult to find away from a known colony. Occasionally seen flying over the forest canopy at dawn or dusk, when it can be told from other crepuscular birds like nighthawks by its larger size, bulkier shape, and floppier flight style. Occurs from the lowlands up into the subtropical zone in the Andes, occasionally straying even higher. Makes a variety of strange clicking and shrieking noises.

White-winged Snowfinch

White-winged Snowfinch

Montifringilla nivalis

Distinctive long-tailed and long-winged inhabitant of high alpine zones; can be found slightly lower down in winter and around human habitation (towns, monasteries, ski resorts), where it can be quite approachable. Black-and-white wings striking in flight. In the breeding season, the bill is dark and the chin is black (bill yellowish and chin patch absent in nonbreeding season). The head is paler grey in winter. Feeds on seeds and insects. Song consists of buzzy warbles and chirps. Gives nasal “reep” calls and dry chatters.

Green Malkoha

Green Malkoha

Ceuthmochares australis

Odd, dark, green-and-gray cuckoo with a bright yellow bill. Found in thick habitats including forest, forest edge, and thickets. Skulks in the thickest parts of the mid-story, especially preferring vine tangles. Call starts with a hesitant series of high “kik” notes, eventually followed by a long, accelerating trill. Dark coloration and yellow bill are distinctive. Range does not overlap with the similar Blue Malkoha.

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