Orange-breasted Forest Robin
Stiphrornis erythrothorax
A short-tailed understory robin with a bright red-orange throat that appears to glow in the shadows of lowland rainforests. Variable across its range, but all populations have a bright throat, a dark-gray to brown back, a whitish belly, and a bright white spot in front of the eye. Song is often given as a duet, with the male giving high-pitched whistles “tlee-tee, tlee-tee” and the female giving an accompanying chatter. Calls include short, questioning whistles “tuweu?” as well as soft calls and rattles. Given this species’ habitat, it is most likely to be confused with akalats, but can always be distinguished by the white spot in front of the eye. May occur locally alongside similar Olive-backed Forest Robin, but distinguished by the brownish rather than green back, and the whitish rather than yellowish belly.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Stiphrornis erythrothorax
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Stiphrornis
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
White-backed Black-Tit
Melaniparus leuconotus
An unusual tit that is mostly black with a pale back. Males have a bright white back and females and immatures a buff-colored one. Found in montane forest and woodland, usually in pairs or small groups, and readily joins mixed flocks. Similar to White-shouldered Black-Tit, but easily separated by the white back and black wing. The calls are typical of tits, but softer and gentler, including high-pitched “sit” notes and scratchy notes. Song is highly variable, but often contains repeated phrases of musical whistles.
Socotra Sparrow
Passer insularis
Typical “rufous sparrow”, with a striped back and a gray crown, nape, and rump. Males have a black bib, and are brighter overall, with more rufous on the face and shoulder. Endemic to the island of Socotra, where it inhabits a range of habitats including rocky areas, dry woodland, scrub, and human settlements. The call is a cheerful “chirp”, often given in a slow series, similar to other sparrows. Similar to Abd al Kuri Sparrow, but separated by range.
White Woodpecker
Melanerpes candidus
Strikingly-plumaged medium-sized woodpecker, mostly white with dark wings and back contrasting with yellow goggles with a dark eye stripe. Males have a yellowish nape. Often seen in small groups foraging in open areas, savannas, and dry forests. Makes a series of ternlike “krreee, krreeee” calls.
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