Central Melanesian Cicadabird
Edolisoma erythropygium
Small cuckooshrike with a restricted range, found only on the Solomon Islands, as well as a couple small islands off of New Ireland. Males are mainly gray with black on the face, wing, and tail. Distinctive female is mostly rufous-brown, with buffy underparts. There is geographical variation, with females unbarred in most of the range, but showing barred underparts in some places. Found singly or in pairs in forest and forest edge habitats at low and middle elevations. Vocalizations poorly known, but include a long series of “chyap” notes.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Edolisoma erythropygium
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Campephagidae
- Genus
- Edolisoma
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Madagascar Blue-Pigeon
Alectroenas madagascariensis
Medium-sized chunky pigeon that is dark blue with a maroon tail. Appears short-tailed in flight. Found in and around rainforest in eastern, central, and northern Madagascar. Most often seen perched up conspicuously on emergent trees, feeding on fruiting trees, or in flight in small flocks. Virtually silent, which is very unusual for a pigeon. Dark-blue coloration separates it from all other pigeons on Madagascar.
Red-gartered Coot
Fulica armillata
Fairly large, common, and widespread coot of lowlands. Found on fresh to brackish ponds and lakes; also at river mouths and locally on coastal waters. Feeds mainly while swimming, but also walks readily on shorelines. Bill pattern is diagnostic: pale yellow forehead shield is separated from brighter yellow bill by a broken dark red band. Also note the red “garters” on its legs, often hidden when swimming. Juvenile has extensively whitish head. Often occurs alongside White-winged and Red-fronted Coots.
Madagascar Snipe
Gallinago macrodactyla
Chunky, cryptic, short-legged, long-billed shorebird. Found in thickly vegetated wetlands, including rice fields, in eastern and central Madagascar. Most often seen when it flushes explosively, often giving a rough “trik” call. Display vocalization is a long accelerating series of “kik” notes. Larger than Greater Painted-Snipe, with a much longer bill and duller belly. Distinctive snipe shape separates it from all other shorebirds in its range.
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