Forest Rock-Thrush
Monticola sharpei
Chunky, mid-sized robin-like bird. Males are gray and orange, while females are brownish. There is regional variation: western birds are paler, and eastern rainforest birds more richly colored. Madagascar endemic that is found at middle and high elevations in the eastern rainforest, and very locally in dry, rocky habitats in the west. Perches for long periods, in the east in the forest mid-story, and in the west on rocks. Variable whistled song is easy to imitate. Darker than Littoral Rock-Thrush, with little or no overlap in range. Female similar to female Madagascar Magpie-Robin, but smaller and without white patch in the wing.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Monticola sharpei
- Authority
- (Gray, GR, 1871)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Monticola
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Red-footed Booby
Sula sula
Large seabird of offshore tropical waters around the globe; not seen from the mainland. Adult plumage is variable, but all have bright red feet and colorful bill and face; some have wholly brown plumage, others are white with a black trailing edge to the wings; the tail can be black or white. Immatures of all types are brown overall with dull pinkish feet. Looks smaller and more slender than other boobies, with more crooked wings. Nests on offshore islands (usually in trees and bushes, unlike other boobies, which nest on the ground).
Mugimaki Flycatcher
Ficedula mugimaki
Chunky, round-headed flycatcher with an orange front in all plumages. Adult male has vivid orange throat and breast contrasting with black upperparts and white belly, supercilium, and wing patches. Younger male and adult female grayish-brown above and white below, with pale yellow-orange throat, white eyering, and very narrow wingbars. Breeds in lowlands up into submontane areas, favoring broadleaf and mixed forests; in submontane evergreen forests on wintering grounds. Song begins with a few pure silvery whistles, followed by a jumble of warbling trills.
Olivaceous Flycatcher
Fraseria olivascens
A canopy flycatcher, often found high above the ground in areas with continuous forest, away from the forest edge. True to its name, this flycatcher is mostly olive-brown with a pale throat, a pale vent, and dark grayish legs. Distinguished from other African flycatchers by its preference for the canopy, its voice, and its overall indistinct coloration and patterning. Call is a high-pitched rising “tseee!” and the song is a complex jumble of clear whistles and buzzy notes.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.