Rufous Shrikethrush
Colluricincla rufogaster
A chunky bird with a thick pale bill. Shows lots of geographical variation, ranging from mostly rich rufous birds in southern New Guinea to birds that are gray on the back and buffy below, often with a paler throat and/or vague streaking on the underparts, in the Australian portion of the range. Found at low elevations in a variety of moist forest, including secondary forest, gallery forest, swamp forest, and mangroves. Rich, melodious, variable song consists of several penetrating whistles. A classic pattern is several accelerating whistles, followed by a couple of upslurred notes. Calls include “chak” notes and whiny nasal notes. Similar to Gray Shrikethrush, but found in denser habitats, and appears smaller, shorter-tailed, and browner overall, with buffy underparts. Also similar to Rusty Pitohui, but smaller, with a dark rather than pale eye.
Taxonomy
This species was formerly considered a conspecific member of the little shrikethrush complex. Genetic investigations of New Guinea populations of the little shrikethrush indicate high levels of genetic divergence, suggesting it comprised more than one species.<p>Currently, three subspecies are recognized:
- Scientific name
- Colluricincla rufogaster
- Authority
- Gould, 1845
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pachycephalidae
- Genus
- Colluricincla
Range and habitat
It is found in New Guinea and Australia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Behavior
During a study of toxicity in birds, two specimens of this species were tested. One of these specimens contained traces of batrachotoxins (BTXs) similar to those found in the secretions of Central and South American poison dart frogs.
Photos
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Scrub Honeyeater
Meliphaga albonotata
A medium-sized honeyeater of foothill and mid-mountain scrub. Uniform olive green with a white ear spot and indistinct streak in the base of the bill. Some geographical overlap with the similar Forest Honeyeater, the only other similar species with a white ear spot, but Scrub Honeyeater has more green in the wing and is usually in scrub rather than forest interior. Call, a “chup!” similar to other similar species or a rapid series of whistles.
Canivet's Emerald
Cynanthus canivetii
Small hummingbird of tropical lowlands, favoring forest edge and semi-open areas, often in relatively dry habitats. Usually feeds rather low, and often inconspicuous. Both sexes habitually pump their forked tail while hovering, unlike most other hummingbirds found in the same areas. Solidly emerald-green male is distinctive. Combination of small size, rather short straight bill, face pattern (whitish eyestripe and broad dark mask), and tail wagging behavior help ID the female. Also note the dry chattering call, which may suggest the call of Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
Isabelline Shrike
Lanius isabellinus
Small pale sandy-colored shrike. Male is gray-brown above with a black mask and unmarked pale underparts that contrast with a bright cinnamon tail. Female is similar, but with a paler mask, grayer upperparts, and faint barring on the sides. Both sexes have pale underparts. Red-tailed Shrike looks similar, but male Red-tailed Shrikes have a contrasting warm brownish crown and females average whiter on the underparts. Female Red-backed Shrikes also have a warmer brown back and more prominent scaling patterns on a white breast and belly than Isabelline Shrikes. Typically found in dry brushy areas. Song composed of various whistles, warbles, and mimicry; calls are harsh and sometimes nasal.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.