Sooty-capped Babbler
Malacopteron affine
Bland, unremarkable-looking medium-sized babbler of open forest, forest edges, clearings, brushy riparian, and overgrown margins of cultivation in lowland and foothill areas. Extremely generic-looking, with no bright colors, a medium-length tail, and an average bill. Evenly-proportioned body gives it a rather bulbul-like outline. Note unmarked gray face, dark gray crown, dark rufous tail, and faint brownish wash on the chest. Especially similar to Moustached Babbler, but note present species’ darker crown, plain face (no moustache), and more slender bill. Scaly-crowned is also similar, but has a bright rufous patch on the forecrown. Plainly-colored Pellorneum babblers can be confusing, but note differences in proportions and profile. Most frequently-heard song is a beautiful but eerily human-like rising series of even whistles; when duetting, one bird often gives explosive “wik!” calls in response. Also gives a quicker, more cheery, and less human-like version of the song, as well as a short melancholy up-and-down series of whistles.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Malacopteron affine
- Authority
- (Blyth, 1842)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pellorneidae
- Genus
- Malacopteron
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Gray-crowned Palm-Tanager
Phaenicophilus poliocephalus
A woodland species that also ventures into parks and gardens. Often found in groups of up to five foraging at middle to upper heights and uncommonly joins mixed-species flocks. Note this species’ black cheek, which is bordered below by broad white moustache stripes and above by a gray crown. The similar Black-crowned Palm-Tanager has an entirely white throat and a black crown. Vocalizations are poorly known, but include a high thin “tseeoo” that is briefer than similar note of Black-crowned.
Bridled Titmouse
Baeolophus wollweberi
Unique: crested head with striking black-and-white pattern unlike any other bird. Primarily a Mexican species, with limited range in the U.S. Found in dry woodlands, especially with mixed oaks and junipers. Feeds on insects and acorns. Small and active; often joins mixed-species flocks with warblers, vireos, and kinglets. Visits feeders.
Salmon-crested Cockatoo
Cacatua moluccensis
A large white cockatoo with a pinkish cast to many feathers and yellow under the wings. The bright salmon color may be mostly concealed unless the crest is raised. Usually found in pairs and small flocks. Calls are very loud screeches. Inhabits lowland rainforests in the southern Moluccas; also known as Moluccan Cockatoo. Introduced to the Hawaiian island of Oahu, where a small population has become established.
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