Chapin's Apalis

Apalis chapini

Dark gray apalis with a rufous throat and breast. The color of the chin varies geographically: white in the north and rufous in the south. Found mainly in the canopy of montane forest. Usually in pairs or small groups which will join mixed-species flocks. The main vocalization is a quick series of high, insect-likes calls by the male, usually accompanied by “tip” notes from the female. Somewhat similar to African Tailorbird, but much longer-tailed, and with more rufous on the throat and less on the head.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Apalis chapini
Authority
Friedmann, 1928
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Cisticolidae
Genus
Apalis

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
stable

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Spotted Wren

Spotted Wren

Campylorhynchus gularis

Fairly large, chunky, and often conspicuous wren of drier foothills and mountains; endemic. Mainly in areas with pine-oak and oak woodland and scrub; often around villages and ranches, clambering on stone walls and even entering houses. Usually in small social groups, which can be confiding. No similar-looking species occur in its range. Note the black whisker, band of black spots across the breast, and complex patterning on the back, wings, and tail.

Marabou Stork

Marabou Stork

Leptoptilos crumenifer

This huge, macabre-looking stork has a massive dagger-like bill and naked pink head and neck that appear severely sunburned. A white ruff and loose inflatable skin on the neck add to its odd appearance. It soars effortlessly at great heights searching for food; note its white belly in flight. Marabous are equally content in wetlands or in dry bush; they are most frequently encountered lurking near carrion, as they attend kills of major predators and will opportunistically snatch scraps. They also readily scavenge around humans and waste dumps.

Bold-striped Tit-Babbler

Bold-striped Tit-Babbler

Mixornis bornensis

A small, noisy babbler that is almost always seen in groups. Bright chestnut above, with well-streaked white underparts, a blue-gray face, and pale eyes. Found in lowland and hill forests, particularly secondary and distrubed forest, as well as scrubby forest edge, brushy fields and wetlands, gardens, and plantations. Darts about in the undergrowth, giving loud churring, rattling calls. Gives an echoey, hiccupping song, often in duets: “po-kyu, po-kyu, po-kyu”.

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