Maroon-backed Whistler
Coracornis raveni
A sparrow-sized, thick-billed songbird from the mountains of Sulawesi. Male is distinctive, almost entirely dark sooty gray except for the maroon back. Female and juvenile are nondescript, entirely dark rusty-brown above and dull olive underneath, but paler on the undertail. A shy inhabitant of montane forest, where singles and pairs stay low in the understory. Female is dark on the breast, unlike Sulphur-bellied Whistler, and lacks yellow flanks, unlike Hylocitrea. Vocalizations are characteristic of whistlers, often including whipping notes: “chiyoo-WHIT” and “chi-WHIT.” Also gives a subdued “brrrr-chit.”
Identification
The maroon-backed whistler (Coracornis raveni) is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae. It is endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. Some authorities have classified the maroon-backed whistler in the genus Pachycephala. Alternate names include the Rano Rano whistler and Raven's whistler.
Taxonomy
Genus: Coracornis; Family: Pachycephalidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Coracornis raveni
- Authority
- Riley, 1918
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pachycephalidae
- Genus
- Coracornis
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoo
Coccyzus vetula
An impressive long-tailed bird of moist mid-elevation woodlands including secondary growth, where it feeds in the understory by peeking and probing into vegetation in pursuit of insects and lizards. Generally solitary and secretive, but not shy. Note this species’ long, straight, narrow bill and buff underparts. The Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo is similar in overall shape, but it is somewhat larger with a chestnut belly and a grayish chest; also note its bill is much shorter and somewhat curved compared to Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoo. The passingly similar Mangrove Cuckoo is somewhat smaller, shorter billed, lacks an eyering, and has a black mask. Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoos are often first detected by voice: a rapid-fire, ratcheting “k-k-k-kuh-kuh-kuh-kuh-kuh…” that grows slower and louder as it progresses; usually given at a uniform pitch.
Bismarck Pitta
Erythropitta novaehibernicae
A long-legged, plump-bodied, mostly ground-dwelling bird with a bright red belly, dark blue wings, a greenish back, a bright red collar, a darker red crown, a light blue chest, and a brownish face. Resident in primary forest and forest edge habitats. Unique within its range. Voice is a low, trembling, raspy double-noted whistle, “croooo-eeeee.”
Dusky Crested Flycatcher
Elminia nigromitrata
A slim, dark member of the fairy flycatcher family with a blackish head, a slight crest, and slate-gray underparts. Found in the understory of rainforest at low and middle elevations. Perky and active; never seems to stop moving. Frequently joins mixed-species flocks. Similar to White-bellied Crested-Flycatcher, but generally found at lower elevations, and has a dark belly. Also similar to White-tailed Crested-Flycatcher, but smaller, with a dark belly and tail. Reminiscent of Blue-headed Crested-Flycatcher, but smaller, and the underparts don’t show a sharp divide between a dark breast and a paler belly.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.