Sri Lanka Frogmouth
Batrachostomus moniliger
This odd cryptic-looking bird is the only one of its family in its range. Rather like a cross between an owl and a nightjar, but note wide mouth and proportionally smaller eyes. Intricately mottled and dappled in shades of gray and brown; males are predominantly gray-brown, while females are rufous-toned. A secretive inhabitant of forests with dense understories, often roosting deep in tangles by day. Vocalizations include a horrible scratchy scream and various cooing notes, often given in series.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Batrachostomus moniliger
- Authority
- Blyth, 1849
- Order
- Caprimulgiformes
- Family
- Podargidae
- Genus
- Batrachostomus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Stripe-headed Sparrow
Peucaea ruficauda
Fairly common and conspicuous sparrow of dry, scrubby woodlands and brushy fields in tropical lowlands and foothills. Usually in small groups, which keep in touch with squeaky chattering calls. Often seen perched on fences. Bold head pattern is distinctive, with big black mask, bold white eyebrow, and blackish crown. Southern populations have variable dusky mottling on the breast.
Baker's Imperial-Pigeon
Ducula bakeri
A large, strikingly dark pigeon with an entirely dark upperside, a purple throat, a gray head, and a chestnut belly and underwing. Found mainly on large islands above 600 meters of elevation, but occasionally coastal. Unlike any other pigeon in Vanuatu. Most common call is a series of about 15 accelerating and shortening hoots.
Spot-breasted Thornbird
Phacellodomus maculipectus
Shy understory bird of upper humid montane forest in the east slope of the Andes from central-western Argentina to central Bolivia. Prefers thick understory, and more often heard than seen. Often curious and inquisitive, but tends to stay hidden when possible. From similar Streak-fronted Thornbird by reddish cap, spotted underparts, and habitat (Streak-fronted prefers dryer and more open woodland). Song an accelerating then decelerating series of 10-12 “queet!” notes that rise and then fall in pitch.
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