Gray-throated Rail
Canirallus oculeus
A distinctive and rarely encountered forest rail with a gray face, a red neck and chest, and a banded appearance to the belly. The hind neck and back are brown, contrasting with the reddish tail. Found in thick vegetation in lowland forest, especially along creeks and near marshes. Song can last up to three minutes: a series of doubled hollow notes becoming interspersed with and eventually replaced by softer notes as the song progresses. Also gives a rapid booming series of 3-6 half-second notes that descend on a scale of half tones. Sings by day or night.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Canirallus oculeus
- Authority
- (Hartlaub, 1855)
- Order
- Gruiformes
- Family
- Rallidae
- Genus
- Canirallus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Red-and-white Crake
Rufirallus leucopyrrhus
Uncommon and very difficult to see; usually detected by voice, a throaty chatter. Favors wetlands with tall coarse grasses. Note rufous head, brownish back, and white throat and breast with black-and-white broken stripes on the flanks and vent. Lacks the dark cap of the similar Rufous-sided Crake.
Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker
Prionochilus percussus
Tiny and active inhabitant of forest and forest edge in lowlands and foothills. Male is bright blue-gray above and lemony-yellow below, with a distinctive red “bleeding” smudge on the yellow chest; it also has an often inconspicuous orange crown stripe. Female is brownish-yellow above with paler underparts. Both sexes have a distinctive pale moustache stripe, which the similar Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker lacks. Gives sharp buzzy calls, often quickly in succession.
Bearded Vulture
Gypaetus barbatus
Breathtakingly majestic inhabitant of high and remote mountain ranges, where they build large nests on cliff ledges or in caves. Even as a distant speck, this is an unmistakable raptor, with an almost albatross-like wing shape and span, coupled with a long diamond-shaped tail. Adults are orange-rust below with a dark underwing, and slate gray above. The young are gray with a dark head. Cruises along ridgetops on flat wings, sometimes arched downwards.
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