Red-vented Malimbe
Malimbus scutatus
A striking black-and-red forest malimbe with a unique red patch on the vent. Male has a black face and a red crown, neck and breast; female only has red on the breast. A fairly common resident within its range, found in pairs in the middle levels and canopy of tall primary and secondary lowland forest, farmbush, cultivation, and clumps of trees near villages. Occasionally joins flocks, sometimes with other malimbes, and gleans leaves and thin twigs in the manner of a tit. Calls include a hard “tchuk” and also a cicada-like “zee-zee-zee.” Other similar-looking malimbes lack the red vent patch.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Malimbus scutatus
- Authority
- (Cassin, 1849)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Ploceidae
- Genus
- Malimbus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Javan White-eye
Zosterops flavus
Little bright yellow bird found in southern Borneo and northern Java. Entirely yellow coloration (no dark lores or gray belly) distinguishes this species from other white-eyes within its range. A coastal forest specialist, found in coastal scrub forest, mangroves, and forest edge, as well as adjacent gardens and plantations, where it often visits planted langsat (or duku) trees. Often found on small offshore islands. Forages actively in the canopy, giving quiet tweeting and cheeping calls; unlike other white-eyes, not a strong songster. Declining across much of range due to habitat destruction and fragmentation.
Sierra Nevada Brushfinch
Arremon basilicus
Shy and skulking brushfinch restricted to cloud forest in Colombia’s Santa Marta Mountains. Quite distinctive in its limited range, with a black face and breast spot, white throat, and striped head. It stays low in the understory and is often hard to see, but sometimes visits feeders within El Dorado Nature Reserve, where it can be easier to find. Song is a long series of high-pitched squeaks and trills.
Mitred Parakeet
Psittacara mitratus
A medium-sized green parakeet with a long tail and scattered red feathers on the face. Similar to Red-masked Parakeet, but the red on the face is usually less extensive and Mitred lacks the red underwings seen on Red-masked. Calls are loud screeches. Introduced to Hawaii and California, where it often coexists with Red-masked Parakeet and forms potential intergrades.
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