Moluccan Spectacled Monarch
Symposiachrus bimaculatus
A slim and elegant songbird with a longish tail. Varies considerably across its range, which consists of the northern Moluccas from Morotai and Halmahera south to Seram and Ambon. Slate-gray above with a white belly and undertail; also note white tail corners. Birds on Seram and Ambon have an orange throat and breast, but generally limited black on the face; elsewhere, blobby-looking black mask and throat are more extensive. Forages actively in forests and forest edges, sometimes with mixed flocks. Song consists of slow, even whistles, sometimes with a buzzy quality. Calls include short, harsh “chet” notes.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Symposiachrus bimaculatus
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Thraupidae
- Genus
- Symposiachrus
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Ocellated Antbird
Phaenostictus mcleannani
Spectacular, chunky forest-dweller; generally uncommon. Electric blue facial skin, rufous body, black throat, and pale scalloped pattern renders this antbird unlikely to be confused with any other species. Larger than other antbirds in range. Can be difficult to see well; found close to the ground in mature forest, usually in pairs or small flocks following an army ant swarm. Listen for descending, scolding call. Sexes alike.
White-headed Vanga
Artamella viridis
Mid-sized black-backed vanga with a typical bill. Males are pure white on the head and underparts, while females are pale gray. Madagascar endemic that is found at low and middle elevations in all forest types, and sometimes in adjacent plantations and scrub. Vocalizations include harsh scolds and penetrating hollow whistles. Larger than Chabert Vanga, with a completely pale head. Smaller than Sickle-billed Vanga, with a much shorter bill.
Nihoa Finch
Telespiza ultima
A finch-billed Hawaiian honeycreeper endemic to the island of Nihoa; does not occur on the main Hawaiian Islands. Unlikely to be confused with any other species; the only other passerine bird on Nihoa is the Millerbird, which lacks the Nihoa Finch’s heavy bill. Males have a bright yellow head and breast. Females are paler yellow and heavily streaked on the back. Common throughout the island.
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