Brown Oriole
Oriolus szalayi
A brown oriole with a darker head and cheeks, a dull orange bill, and extensively streaked pale underparts. Juveniles show a pale eyebrow and dark bill. Singles and pairs can be found in the canopy of a variety of habitats in both lowlands and foothills, including forest, mangroves, plantations, and scrubland. Told from Streak-headed Honeyeater by red bill and lack of white moustache, from female figbird by red bill, and from Olive-backed Oriole by contrastingly dark-headed appearance and duller background coloration of underparts. Loud, fluty, friarbird-like calls include “chik-choo-wer” and “du-hoo-du-hoo,” descending on the latter notes. Known to imitate other species.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Oriolus szalayi
- Authority
- (Madarász, G, 1900)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Oriolidae
- Genus
- Oriolus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Stub-tailed Spadebill
Platyrinchus cancrominus
Tiny ‘cute’ flycatcher found in fairly open but shady understory of tropical lowland forest, mainly in humid areas. Appearance is distinctive, with brownish upperparts, striking face pattern, and stubby tail. Can be quite common but easily overlooked. Usually draws attention by its bright, nasal chi-dik or chi-di-dik call, usually given just after a short flight, after which it sits still and is frustratingly difficult to see.
Red-winged Wood-Rail
Aramides calopterus
Large rainforest rail found in hilly areas of eastern Ecuador, northeastern Peru, and far western Brazil. Rare and most likely to be encountered in remote, undisturbed forest that is difficult to access. Compared to the more common Gray-cowled Wood-Rail, it has a bright cinnamon hind neck and mostly gray underparts that lack any chestnut. Usually found in the vicinity of streams and creeks. Typical call is a whining, descending squeal.
Black-casqued Hornbill
Ceratogymna atrata
A gigantic black hornbill of African rainforests, often seen or heard in the canopy feeding on fruiting trees. Undertakes seasonal movements, and can be surprisingly common at certain times of year and absent in others. The male is a large black hornbill with a large black bill. Females have much smaller, paler bills with a brownish hood over their head and neck. Tail is long and black with a white tip, a feature that separates this species from other large hornbills within its range.. Voice is a loud braying wail that can be heard from several kilometers away.
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