Southern Marquesan Reed Warbler
Acrocephalus mendanae
A medium-sized reed warbler, bright yellow below and tawny above, with pale-edged black wing feathers. Bill long and slightly downcurved, giving the bird a very “long-headed” appearance. Found in scrubby areas and plantations, avoiding deep primary forest. Call is a harsh “tchak.” Song is a mix of whistles, churring, warbling, and rasping scold notes.
Identification
The southern Marquesan reed warbler (Acrocephalus mendanae) is a species of Old World warbler in the family Acrocephalidae. It was formerly considered conspecific with the northern Marquesan reed warbler, and together known as the Marquesan reed warbler. It is found only on the southern Marquesan Islands. Subspecies include: Uapou Marquesan warbler, Acrocephalus mendanae dido nominate (Hiva Oa, Tahuata), Acrocephalus mendanae mendanae Mohotani Marquesan warbler, Acrocephalus mendanae consobrina Fatuhiva Marquesan warbler, Acrocephalus mendanae fatuhivae
Taxonomy
Genus: Acrocephalus; Family: Acrocephalidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Acrocephalus mendanae
- Authority
- Tristram, 1883
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Acrocephalidae
- Genus
- Acrocephalus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
White-winged Collared-Dove
Streptopelia reichenowi
A distinctive dove with a restricted range. The white wing patches are usually visible when perched, and become very conspicuous in flight. A white eye-ring is conspicuous at close range. Found locally in riverside scrub, thickets, and adjacent habitats. Similar overall to Ring-necked Dove, but separated by the white eye-ring, gray breast, and white wing patches. The song is a fast-paced, quickly repeated rolling series of cooing notes with a somewhat rough, churring quality.
Gray-rumped Swift
Chaetura cinereiventris
Small dark swift; look for the large gray rump patch. Very similar to other swifts like Costa Rican (no range overlap), Vaux’s, and Band-rumped. A good view of the rump is helpful, but caution is always warranted with swift identification. Usually seen in flocks, sometimes quite large, feeding over habitats such as forests, clearings, open fields, and lakes.
Oriental Scops-Owl
Otus sunia
Smallish scops-owl with bright yellow eyes. Comes in grayish-brown and bright rufous morphs. Generally weakly marked, without any prominent features: note weak black border to the facial disc, thinly streaked underparts, and short ear tufts (often held flat). Song is a 3- to 4-note series of hollow-sounding notes, with the last two in rapid succession. Inhabits forests, gardens, and parks from lowlands up into foothills; often close to human habitation in parts of its range.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.