Scaly-breasted Bulbul
Rubigula squamata
Handsome and unmistakable; olive-yellow wings, black head, white throat, and black-scaled white underparts. Predominantly found in hilly broadleaf evergreen forest, only occasionally and very localized in lowlands. Often undertakes local movements. Generally gleans fruits from mid-levels up into the canopy. Unlike many bulbuls, does not have a vibrant song: gives occasional high-pitched chirps, chips, whistles, and short trills.
Taxonomy
The scaly-breasted bulbul was originally described in the genus Ixos and later moved to Pycnonotus. Pycnonotus was found to be polyphyletic in recent molecular phylogenetic studies and three bulbul species, including the scaly-breasted bulbul, moved to Ixodia. Some authorities use Ixidia for the genus name because Ixodia was thought to be preoccupied.<p>Three subspecies are recognized:
- Scientific name
- Rubigula squamata
- Authority
- (Temminck, 1828)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pycnonotidae
- Genus
- Rubigula
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Bicolored Antvireo
Dysithamnus occidentalis
Small, plump antbird of Andean cloud forest. Very rare in Ecuador and northern Peru, but somewhat more common in western Colombia. Male is dark gray; female additionally has chestnut back and crown. Both sexes have white dots on wings; on some birds, these dots may form parallel lines. Inhabits understory of forest interior. Usually first detected by voice; vocalizations include soft churrs, rattles, and inflected notes given alone or in a quick series.
Reed Cormorant
Microcarbo africanus
A small, speckle-backed cormorant that is common and widespread in fresh water. The adult is blackish with a short black crest above the bill. Immatures are brownish with paler underparts. Although they share the same habitat with Great Cormorant, Long-tailed Cormorants can be separated by their much smaller size, red eyes, and proportionately longer tails. Generally, Long-tailed Cormorant avoids the marine habitats of the similar-looking Crowned Cormorant, which has a larger crest, an unspeckled back, and a shorter tail.
Berylline Hummingbird
Saucerottia beryllina
Medium-sized hummingbird, usually fairly common in foothills. Favors oak woodlands, adjacent brushy thickets, and shade-coffee plantations, in both drier and more humid situations. Feeds at all levels and often rather aggressively chases off most other hummingbirds. Note the bright rusty wing patch and rusty tail (which often has purple and bronze highlights). Lower bill is red, but is often hard to see. Sexes similar, but female has duller, less buffy belly; birds from Chiapas south have a green belly.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.