Barking Imperial-Pigeon

Ducula latrans

A large, long-necked, long-tailed pigeon. Body and tail brown, head and neck gray, throat and chest peachy pink. Usually solitary on large and medium islands in extensive mature forest. Similar in shape to Pacific Imperial-Pigeon, but has a gray body and green wings and is generally found on smaller islands. Most common call is an owl-like “whu!..whu!..whu!..whu!”

Identification

The barking imperial pigeon is frugivorous, feeding on large fruits of the trees Cananga, Didymocheton, and Myristica (nutmegs). It feeds alone or in pairs, occasionally occurring in small flocks on fruiting trees. The breeding season of this species is from May to January, with a single egg being laid on an insubstantial twig nest. These birds are typically 40-44cm. The upper parts of this bird are grey. The upper wings and upper tail are a darker shade of brown. It has a black bill and the eyes are purple and red. Additionally, the bird got its name because it known to make loud barking "u-oo" in long series. Also, they make a "raa" noise. These calling are often associated with mating. Due to human hunting and interference the habitat for this bird is being put in danger and there has been a decline in the population of these birds!

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Ducula latrans
Authority
(Peale, 1849)
Order
Columbiformes
Family
Columbidae
Genus
Ducula

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Orange-crowned Euphonia

Orange-crowned Euphonia

Euphonia saturata

Small finchlike bird, compact and short tailed with a stout bill. Male has notably orange-tinged underparts and dark upperparts with a purplish sheen. The orange-yellow crown is extensive (not restricted to the forehead like many other euphonias). Also note the underside of the tail, which is entirely dark. Females are plain yellowish-olive overall and difficult to separate from other euphonias, especially Thick-billed, but usually seen in pairs or small groups with males. Frequents woodlands, edges, and clearings in lowlands and foothills, often in fairly dry regions. Can be found in mixed-feeding flocks with other species such as warblers and tanagers.

Crow-billed Drongo

Crow-billed Drongo

Dicrurus annectens

Large dark drongo of open forested environments. Glossy black with a characteristically forked tail. Immature speckled with grayish-white on lower breast and belly. Thick dark bill gives a generally heavier-headed appearance than other similar dark drongos such as Black Drongo, with which it shares parts of its range; also prefers more forested environments than the latter. Aggressive and territorial, particularly during the breeding season, frequently mobbing raptors and corvids with great vigor. Like other drongos, boasts a varied repertoire; songs include a ringing “tsee-goo-gohgee!” Calls include bell-like gurgling notes, harsh chattering, and piercing whistles.

White-winged Cliff-Chat

White-winged Cliff-Chat

Monticola semirufus

An attractive and distinctive chat of the Abyssinian highlands. Both sexes have dark upperparts and a large white patch in the middle of the wing. Males have a clean black hood and a red-orange belly, while females appear entirely dark save for the white wing patch, though close inspection reveals fine barring on the belly and rufous tones near the vent. Similar to Mocking Cliff-Chat, but easily separated by the white patch in the middle of the wing, rather than on the shoulder. The pretty, thrush-like song consists of low whistles and burry notes in short phrases. 

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