Rusty-fronted Barwing

Actinodura egertoni

Set apart from other barwings in its range by its pure white belly and an orangish wash over the front of the face. Like other barwings, it forages in pairs and small flocks, sometimes with other species. Gives a range of different calls, with its most distinctive one being a three-note whistle in which the third note is considerably lower than the first two.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Actinodura egertoni
Authority
Gould, 1836
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Leiothrichidae
Genus
Actinodura

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Meller's Duck

Meller's Duck

Anas melleri

Large brown duck that is endemic to eastern Madagascar. Its plain brown plumage, blue-gray bill, and large size distinguish it from all other ducks in Madagascar. In flight, look for green and white stripes in the wing. Found mostly at middle elevations, on lakes, streams, rivers, and freshwater wetlands that are usually within or adjacent to rainforest. Rare and endangered.

Olive Sunbird

Olive Sunbird

Cyanomitra olivacea

Large, dark, olive-green sunbird with a long, down-curved bill. Can show yellow tufts on the shoulders, though these are usually hidden. Found in forest and adjacent gardens and lush scrub. Usually in the understory. Less social than other sunbirds, and often seen alone. Most distinctive vocalization is a pretty, up-and-down series of clear notes. Mouse-colored Sunbird is similar, but Olive Sunbird is more olive-green than gray.

Cuckoo-roller

Cuckoo-roller

Leptosomus discolor

A large, big-headed, short-legged bird that is very odd in almost every way, especially in the position of the eye near the top of the head. Males have a pale head and underparts and a colorful iridescent back. Females are rufous brown with heavy spotting below. Found in all forest types, and sometimes in adjacent scrub and plantations. Often perches and feeds in the canopy, though rarely on an emergent branch. Males and pairs frequently make soaring display flights, constantly giving incredibly loud and persistent three-part wailing calls. Much larger than Broad-billed Roller, with a dark bill. Looks raptor-like, but has a huge head, small bill, and less powerful wingbeats. 

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