Mangrove Blue Flycatcher
Cyornis rufigastra
Bright blue-and-orange flycatcher of coastal woodlands; found in mangroves, mangrove edge, coastal scrub, and plantations. Can be common on small, forested offshore islands where other blue flycatchers are absent. Male and female are similar, but the female has lighter orange underparts and a pale patch between the eye and the base of the bill. Habitat generally serves to identify this species, but also note extent of orange underparts, pale blue patch on the forehead, short bill, and dark rump and tail. Both sexes sing, giving a short but beautiful series of fluty whistles. Calls include a fast buzzing rattle and tapping notes, comparable to rocks being struck together.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Cyornis rufigastra
- Authority
- (Raffles, 1822)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Cyornis
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Fairly small and very distinctively patterned petrel of cool southern waters; regular migrant north to Humboldt Current. A “professional” ship follower in the Southern Ocean, often in groups that circle a vessel for hours. Extent of white spotting on upperparts rather variable, but no other petrel has this white-spattered or “painted” pattern; pintado means painted in Spanish and is also an anagram of the genus name, Daption.
Pyrrhuloxia
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Burhinus indicus
Large, bizarre-looking shorebird with streaky brown plumage and piercing yellow eyes. Black-and-white wing pattern visible in flight. Most active at dusk or at night, often hiding away under shady vegetation by day. Favors dry areas, including fields, thorn forest, and dry riverbeds. Vocal after dark; gives a rapid series of high, sharp ‘kli!’ notes.
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