Red-shouldered Vanga
Calicalicus rufocarpalis
Small vanga that is built like a chickadee or tit. Male is colorful and female plain brownish. Madagascar endemic that is found very locally in spiny forest growing on limestone. Only described to science in the 1990s. Most common vocalization is a two- or three-part rising whistle. Separated from much more widespread Red-tailed Vanga by its pale eye and additional red on the shoulder.
Identification
Like many of the vangas, this species is sexually dimorphic; the male is the more colorful of the two. He has a pale gray crown, nape and mantle, with white on the ear coverts and forehead. Other than a black bib, which extends from the beak partway down the breast and up the sides of his neck, his underparts are principally whitish, tinged with pink on the breast and flanks. His flight feathers are brown, his wing coverts are brick-red, and his tail is a pale brick-red. His beak is black, his irides are yellow, and his legs and feet are pinkish-gray.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Calicalicus rufocarpalis
- Authority
- Goodman, Hawkins & Domergue, 1997
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Vangidae
- Genus
- Calicalicus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
The species has been rated as Vulnerable by the IUCN, based on its low population numbers and very small range.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Stitchbird
Notiomystis cincta
A medium-sized songbird endemic to New Zealand, restricted to predator-free offshore islands and North Island mainland sanctuaries. Male has a black head with conspicuous white ear tufts and a white wingbar. Note the vibrant yellow neck and shoulder band. Females and juveniles only have the white wingbar. Curious by nature, confidently approaching people at close range. Despite this, the species can be difficult to spot due to its rapid movements. Both sexes give a high-pitched, single-noted “titch” warning call. Males also produce whistled calls of 2-3 notes. Females can be distinguished from bellbirds by lack of green coloration. Also note the constantly cocked tail and the white wing patches.
Whistling Warbler
Catharopeza bishopi
A small charming inhabitant of woodland tangles and dense undergrowth. Plumage striking slate and white with a bold white eyering. Note distinctive pattern of black chin, white upper breast and blackish lower breast. No similar species within its range. Often has tail cocked upright. Song is a cascade of loud whistled notes, with pace typically slowing towards end as notes grow louder; sometimes given in rapid succession resulting in a more jumbled pattern.
Yellow-knobbed Curassow
Crax daubentoni
A large, elegant black and white turkey-like bird with a prominent curly crest. Both sexes have a white belly and white tipped tail, but the male has a larger crest and yellow base to the bill with a large yellow knob; female is faintly barred white on the breast and has dark gray bill lacking the knob. No overlap with other curassow species. Found in dry forest, gallery forest, and humid forest; most often encountered walking in understory or crossing trails in small groups, but sometimes also seen perched higher in trees. Vocally active in breeding season; song is a surprisingly high-pitched, long, descending whistle “WHEEEeeeeeeeeeeuuuuuuuuuuu,” reminiscent of a raptor.
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