Great-billed Kingfisher
Pelargopsis melanorhyncha
A huge pale-headed kingfisher with a massive bill. Buff-colored head, underside, and rump contrast with blackish-brown upperparts. Bill usually black, but on Banggai, it is largely orange. Juveniles show dark fringing to breast and nape feathers. Tied to coastal watercourses, particularly mangroves, but also found in scrub, estuaries, and shrubby cliffsides, typically singly or in pairs, often perching well above the water. Unique within limited range. Gives strident “kek-kek-kek” calls and mournful “kew-kew-kew” whistles.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Pelargopsis melanorhyncha
- Authority
- (Temminck, 1826)
- Order
- Coraciiformes
- Family
- Alcedinidae
- Genus
- Pelargopsis
Range and habitat
Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Antarctic Petrel
Thalassoica antarctica
Striking brown-and-white petrel of Antarctica and its adjacent seas and islands. Essentially unmistakable, but worth comparing with Cape Petrel if seen at great distance. Breeds on rocky slopes and cliff faces, both coastal and inland; one of very few flying birds likely to be seen any distance inland in Antarctica. When not breeding, disperses north, sometimes getting as far as the Falklands. Often seen in huge numbers around foraging cetaceans or fishing vessels.
Black Goshawk
Astur melanoleucus
Large black-and-white goshawk. Most individuals have a white breast, but some have almost completely black underparts. Immatures have dark streaks below, over a white or rusty base color. Found in forest, woodland, thick savanna, and plantations. Calls are a long wail and an agitated scolding series. Dark-breasted birds similar to dark-morph Gabar Goshawk and Ovambo Sparrowhawk but are larger and have yellow legs and base of the bill. Somewhat similar to hawk-eagles, but much longer-tailed and faster in flight.
Little Grassbird
Poodytes gramineus
A small brown songbird that skulks in reed-beds and dense vegetation near water. Streaked back, flanks, and breast; graduated tail often cocked upright. Larger, brightly colored Tawny Grassbird has longer tail, lacks streaks on chest. Usually detected by song, a clear, high-pitched, three-noted whistle.
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