Fluffy-backed Tit-Babbler

Macronus ptilosus

Unfortunately, like many other birds named for back characteristics, the fluffiness of this babbler’s upperparts are not typically visible. It is nonetheless a handsome and attractive bird, with a chestnut crown, a jet-black throat, and electric blue skin patches on the face and neck. Forages in dense lower levels of vegetation in lowland and hill forests. Vocalizations are variable; most commonly heard is a quiet hooting series of around 4–5 notes. Calls include harsh churrs, rattles, and croaks.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Macronus ptilosus
Authority
Jardine & Selby, 1835
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Timaliidae
Genus
Macronus

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Broad-billed Prion

Broad-billed Prion

Pachyptila vittata

The largest of the six prion species, with an exceptionally wide bill that gives the head a chunky appearance. Occurs in dispersed flocks at sea, where it catches prey items either sitting on the water or skimming the surface for zooplankton. Can be seen around breeding colonies on the Chatham Islands, in southern New Zealand, and in the South Atlantic Ocean. The wide bill distinguishes this species from other prions apart from Salvin’s and MacGillivray's, which are smaller in overall size and have a narrower bill than the Broad-billed Prion. However this can be hard to see at sea, and identification of prions is often impossible without a good view or photograph.

Senegal Coucal

Senegal Coucal

Centropus senegalensis

Small coucal with a black cap and buffy underparts. There is a localized West African population that shows black underparts, save for a rufous belly. Found in a variety of habitats with a thick understory, including tall grassland, scrub, thickets within savanna, and forest edge. Skulks in the undergrowth, occasionally emerging to sit on an exposed perch, especially when drying out after a rainstorm. Song is a descending and accelerating series of deep “boop” notes. In the small area of overlap with Burchell’s Coucal, separated by the plain black rather than barred top of the tail. Immature has a streaked back and resembles White-browed Coucal but is more rufous below. Much smaller than Black-throated and Coppery-tailed Coucals.

Keel-billed Toucan

Keel-billed Toucan

Ramphastos sulfuratus

Large unmistakable toucan with a huge, rainbow-colored bill. Often seen in pairs, but not usually in groups like aracaris. Flies with a few flaps followed by a swooping glide, sometimes high over the forest canopy, and looks like a ‘flying banana.’ Heard more often than seen: ‘song’ is a far-carrying, frog-like croak, repeated steadily. Despite its large size and bright colors, can be difficult to see in leafy canopy, where it moves deliberately in search of food.

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