Forest Swallow
Atronanus fuliginosus
A unique dark swallow of lowland rainforest, less commonly seen at forest edge and in montane foothills. The only swallow that can be found flying bat-like under the canopy in closed forest. Overall a dark sooty brown, with some birds, especially adult males, having brighter rufous throats. Small and compact with a short, mostly squared tail. Often found nesting under boulders, in caves, or in similar locations in the rainforest. Very similar to Square-tailed Sawwing, and some individuals are best left unidentified. Note Forest Swallow’s unique, bat-like flight, and in good light, its more brownish plumage and sometimes more rufous throat. Despite its visual similarity to sawwings, this species is most closely related to house-martins. Voice is a short, buzzy call note.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Atronanus fuliginosus
- Authority
- (Chapin, 1925)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Meliphagidae
- Genus
- Atronanus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Black-headed Sibia
Heterophasia desgodinsi
Somewhat recalling a darker, smaller Azure-winged Magpie, this medium-sized babbler is found in foothill to montane forests from central China to far southern Vietnam. Generally one of the most common birds in pristine hill forest throughout much of its range, and often a main component of mixed flocks. Typically moves through the canopy, though may descend lower, even occasionally to the ground when foraging.
Chocolate-vented Tyrant
Neoxolmis rufiventris
Wonderfully (if poorly) named large terrestrial flycatcher of open windswept habitats in Patagonia, especially bunch grass and open shrub-steppe with grassy patches; migrates north in winter. Usually seen as singles or pairs, perched on roadside fences or flying low over the ground, when flashy and distinctive wing pattern is striking: broad white trailing edge contrasts with bright rusty panel in center of wing. Runs well on the ground, when it may suggest a thrush. Note dark face, frosty pale wing panel, and pale rusty belly.
Moorland Francolin
Scleroptila psilolaema
A pretty, intricately marked medium-sized francolin. The white throat is spotted with black, and the wings show large rufous patches in flight. Found at high elevations in alpine grassland and heath, often in small groups. Similar to Orange River Francolin, but found in different habitat at higher elevations, and separated by the black-spotted throat. The vocalizations include a series of “cheedle-chee” notes, and a squealing call often given in flight.
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