Silver-crowned Friarbird

Typical scops-owl, with small ear tufts that can be hidden, especially when roosting during the day. Color varies from gray to brown to rufous, with rufous birds more prevalent in the eastern rainforest. Inhabits both moist and dry habitats throughout Madagascar, including rainforest, dry deciduous forest, spiny forest, scrub, and plantations. Often found on day roosts in low tangles. Song varies geographically. In the east, it is a punctuated “tru-tru-tru…”. In the west it is a more rolling “trrr-trrr-trrr…”. Intermediate vocalizations can be heard in transitional zones, such as far northern Madagascar. Much smaller than all of Madagascar’s other owls.

A small, common bird of lowland and foothill forest. Fairly slender with a black bill. Male plumage varies geographically but all have black head, back, tail and a white side tuft. Underparts are gray or black, and wing is olive or black. Female is mainly olive with a slightly paler underparts. Similar to Obscure and Mid-Mountain Berrypeckers, but Black has a shorter tail than Mid-Mountain and lacks the orange bill of Obscure. Voice, a repeated, scratchy “witoo-chii!” ending on a high note.

Often seen clambering up or headfirst down trees, this small active bird is usually found in the middle levels of the forest, though it will descend down toward the ground on occasion. Gray above and warmly-colored below throughout its range; eastern birds are paler below than western birds, the males of which have dark rusty bellies. Western birds also sport a bright contrasting white moustache. Lack of bright white patch on the tail distinguishes this species from White-tailed Nuthatch. A species of hill and submontane forests, where it favors lightly wooded areas of both broadleaf deciduous and pine forests. Often detected by its quick, echoing trill.