Crescent-chested Babbler
Cyanoderma melanothorax
Handsome and unmistakable little Javan endemic, often encountered clumping about in the undergrowth of forest edges, overgrown farms and gardens, and other disturbed habitats; happily, still quite widespread and common due to its habitat preferences, unlike many less fortunate Javan species. Bright rufous above and grayish below. Extent of rufous on the underparts vary amongst subspecies; Balinese birds are the most extensively rufous below. Typically forages in the understory, but will occasionally move about higher in the forest. Joins mixed flocks; also forages singly or in pairs. Song is a soft but rapid series: “whoowhoowhowhowhowho.” Call is a fast, dry chatter. These two vocalizations can be combined in a duet.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Cyanoderma melanothorax
- Authority
- (Temminck, 1823)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Timaliidae
- Genus
- Cyanoderma
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
White-cheeked Tit
Aegithalos leucogenys
A tiny bird with a large head, a short bill, and a long tail. Similar in shape to other long-tailed tits, but note the unique combination of black throat, brown crown, and black eye-mask. Found in open woodlands and dry scrub forest. Usually forages in pairs or in small parties. The song is variable, consisting of harsh and disjointed sounds, shrill and squeaky notes, and trills and thin whistles.
Black-fronted Dotterel
Thinornis melanops
Small plover with streaked upperparts, strong white eyebrow, and a heavy black line through the eye. Note red eyering. Adult has distinctive black V on chest. Very common around freshwater wetlands.
Variable Limestone Babbler
Gypsophila crispifrons
A large, chunky, scraggly-looking babbler found in limestone hills covered with forest. Gray and brown overall with heavy streaking on the head, back, and throat. An odd white morph shows a variable amount and distribution of bright white on the head and breast. Forages close to the ground, often in and around rocky cracks and crevices. Song is a loud, ringing, rather hoarse-sounding sequence of whistled notes including some repeated phrases, sometimes given as a duet by a pair. Also gives harsh “grrr” calls. Similar to Streaked Wren-Babbler, but larger and longer-tailed, lacking white spots on the shoulder.
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