White-flanked Sunbird
Aethopyga eximia
A Javanese highland endemic, found from foothill forest and forest edge up into the low, scrubby growth above the treeline. Long-tailed male is stunning and utterly unmistakable, with a rose-red throat and chest, iridescent blue-green “shield” on the forehead, a smoky dark gray belly, and an iridescent blue tail. Female is much less eye-catching, with a gray head, buffish belly, and brown tail. Both sexes have an olive-brown back and a white streak on the side. Forages actively, sometimes in the lower storeys of forest. Gives bland series of chips, as well as a ringing “dink dink dink!” and a quick, descending “sweep”.
Identification
The white-flanked sunbird (Aethopyga eximia) is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is endemic to Indonesia.
Taxonomy
The white-flanked sunbird was formally described by Thomas Horsfield in 1821.
- Scientific name
- Aethopyga eximia
- Authority
- (Horsfield, 1821)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Nectariniidae
- Genus
- Aethopyga
Range and habitat
Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Plumbeous Warbler
Setophaga plumbea
A striking small bird that frequents montane forests, but sometimes ventures into dry scrub and mangroves. This species is readily distinguished by its overall gray plumage (tinged green above and yellow below on immature birds) with boldly contrasting white eyebrows and wingbars. All potential confusion species are migrants from North America that have streaking above and/or below that Plumbeous Warbler lacks. Typically feeds in understory with tail often cocked upwards. Song consists of a dozen or so leisurely whistled sweet notes, the first three of which are at same pitch; at times only first three notes are given. Call is a dry rattle.
Wallcreeper
Tichodroma muraria
Unmistakable, but difficult to spot on rock faces. Spectacular in flight, with broad black, red, and white-spotted wings resembling a giant butterfly. Usually found on rock faces in high mountainous regions, but also breeds in steep gorges lower down and can even be found on tall buildings in winter. Breeding male has a black throat; winter males and all females have white throats. Rarely-heard song is a steadily rising whistle.
Sibilant Sirystes
Sirystes sibilator
Quite large flycatcher that lives mostly in the canopy of forests and woodlands. Grayish overall, but note the black crested crown, black wings with prominent white edges, and a dark tail. Usually accompanies mixed-species flocks acting as a flock leader. The song is a loud and descending “pepepew-pepepew.”
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