Rusty-backed Thrush
Geokichla erythronota
A spectacular chestnut-backed thrush with striking white facial patches, black-and-white wings, and bold pied markings below. Juvenile shows buff streaks on crown and back and buff throat. Terrestrial, feeding on the forest floor singly or in pairs within the lowlands and low hills. Unmistakable within its limited range on islands of Sulawesi and Kabaena. Mournful song is a phrase of several high-pitched whistled notes, “deee-der-doo” or “deee-der.” Calls include “chak” notes and a high-pitched “peep” call.
Identification
The red-backed thrush is about 20 cm (8 in) long and the sexes are largely similar in appearance.
Taxonomy
Geokichla erythronota is very similar in morphology to the chestnut-backed thrush (Geokichla dohertyi) and some authorities believe they are conspecific. Others believe they are distinct. A subspecies (G. e. kabaena) has been named from Kabaena and some researchers believe there is an unnamed race of G. erythronota on the island of Buton, the status of which needs to be evaluated.
- Scientific name
- Geokichla erythronota
- Authority
- Sclater, PL, 1859
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Turdidae
- Genus
- Geokichla
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Barbados Bullfinch
Loxigilla barbadensis
A tame and conspicuous species of gardens, scrubland, and open woodlands. Its plumage is a combination of subtle browns and grays, and its bill is stubby and thick. This species could be mistaken for a female Black-faced Grassquit, but the grassquit has an olive back and is smaller overall. Song is a rapid “tsee-tsee-tsee-tsee…” or “tsit-tsit-tsit-tsit…” often consisting of five to fifteen notes. Calls include a sharp “tseet.”
Northern Scrub-Robin
Drymodes superciliaris
Long-legged songbird found in rainforests of the Cape York Peninsula. Brown above, pale gray below, with black-and-white patterned wing and long tail, often flicked upward. Dramatic vertical black mark through the eye and cheek is diagnostic. Usually seen low down or on the ground; favors rainforest areas with plenty of leaf litter. Voice includes a variety of clear, thin whistled calls.
Montezuma Quail
Cyrtonyx montezumae
A remarkably patterned quail, uncommon and difficult to spot as it runs through open grassy woodlands in dry regions of the southwest U.S. and Mexico. Male looks like he’s are wearing a black-and-white helmet; otherwise look for bold spots and streaks covering body and wings. Female is more subtly patterned with shades of brown; look for rounded, puffy head shape. Between bursts of running, often crouches motionless and becomes nearly invisible. Rarely flies unless flushed at very close range; most often seen crossing a road or trail. Male song is a rich descending whistle with unique ethereal tone like an incoming spaceship.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.