Western Nicator
Nicator chloris
An unusual bushshrike-like bird with a heavy hooked bill, olive-green above and pale below with bold white spotting on the wings. The yellow corners of the tail can be conspicuous in flight. Found in rainforest, gallery forest, thickets, lush secondary habitat, and dense woodland. Skulking and secretive, usually remaining in tangled understory and mid-level vegetation. Very similar to Eastern Nicator, but their ranges do not overlap. Also similar to Yellow-throated Nicator, but larger, without a bright yellow throat and streak above the eye. Very vocal and most often detected by voice; the song is a quick jumble of wooden notes, and the common call is a penetrating “chaak.”
Identification
It is very similar to the eastern nicator, but the sides of the face and crown are olive green. It is best identified by its range and some of its vocalizations.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Nicator chloris
- Authority
- (Valenciennes, 1826)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Nicatoridae
- Genus
- Nicator
Range and habitat
It inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical swamps. It prefers well-established secondary growth forest from 700 to 1,850 metres. It is mainly native to the African tropical rainforest.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Singing Honeyeater
Gavicalis virescens
Medium-sized honeyeater with an olive-brown back and pale gray underparts. Size and plumage varies considerably across its range. This species tends to favor inland locations, and is found in a wide variety of habitats. Widespread across Australia, and is present in most areas apart from the eastern coast.
Cyprus Wheatear
Oenanthe cypriaca
Striking small wheatear. Males are black and white with some dark markings on central crown and often buff or even brighter orange underparts. Females are almost as dark as males with dark brown and warm tones. Endemic breeder to Cyprus, where it breeds in holes and crevices in a variety of habitats. During migration, found in open, scrubby habitats. Winters in open habitats with sparse vegetation. Smaller and more delicate than similar Pied Wheatear. Song is a remarkable series of high-pitched buzzing notes. Call is a dry “chek, chek.”
Nilgiri Flowerpecker
Dicaeum concolor
Small plain gray-brown bird with a slightly curved bill. Nearly identical to Plain Flowerpecker, but ranges do not overlap. Similar in appearance to Pale-billed Flowerpecker, but has a darker bill and more contrast between the upperparts and underparts. Forages mostly at middle and upper levels of foothill forests, often around mistletoe. Gives hard, often repetitive, “tzrik” and high thin notes.
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