Rufous Limestone Babbler
Gypsophila calcicola
A large and chunky babbler found very locally in limestone hills covered with dry forest. Rufous-brown overall with a black-streaked throat and a white-streaked back. Forages close to the ground, often in and around rocky cracks and crevices. Song is a loud, ringing, rather hoarse-sounding sequence of whistled notes including some repeated phrases, sometimes given as a duet by a pair. Also gives harsh “grrr” notes. Similar to Streaked Wren-Babbler, but larger and longer-tailed, with bolder striping on the throat and no white spots on the shoulder.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Gypsophila calcicola
- Authority
- (Deignan, 1939)
- Order
- N/A (Not a bird species)
- Family
- Not a bird species
- Genus
- Gypsophila
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Emberiza koslowi
Handsome thickset bunting restricted to a small part of the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan plateau where it inhabits scrubby slopes above the timberline. Unmistakable in its range; no other bunting in the area combines its size, brick-orange back, and gray belly. Male has a striking black-and-white head pattern while female is gray-headed with weak streaking. Song is an unmusical and unremarkable series of high, sharp “pi-pi-pipipew” notes.
Blue-throated Brown Sunbird
Cyanomitra cyanolaema
Large, dark, long-billed sunbird. The male has an iridescent blue patch on the forehead and throat, though this can be hard to see in poor light. The yellow shoulder tufts are usually hidden. The female is drab, but has a distinctively white-striped face. Found in the canopy of low- and middle-elevation rainforest. Distinctive call is a quick, descending series of several high notes. Male is separated from similar sunbirds by more restricted blue on the face.
Scrub Euphonia
Euphonia affinis
Tiny finch of tropical lowlands and foothills, especially in drier areas. Occurs from eastern Mexico to Costa Rica, where it is found in open woodland, forest edge, and clearings with trees. Usually in pairs, sometimes small groups that associate readily with other euphonias, especially when feeding at mistletoe. Male has black head and throat with yellow forehead patch; female rather drab, but lacks vested appearance of female Yellow-throated Euphonia, which is slightly larger.
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