Gray-winged Robin-Chat
Sheppardia polioptera
Medium-sized robin with orange underparts and an olive-brown back. The tail is uniformly rufous, lacking the dark center of a typical robin-chat. There is some geographical variation, with the western birds showing a black cap and the eastern birds a gray one. Found in the undergrowth of various forest types at low and middle elevations. Shy and retiring. The song is a highly variable mix of notes which usually includes imitations of other bird species. Similar to akalats, but separated by its white eyebrow.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Sheppardia polioptera
- Authority
- (Reichenow, 1892)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Sheppardia
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Moltoni's Warbler
Curruca subalpina
Closely related to Subalpine Warbler. Paler rufous below compared to the western species of Subalpine Warbler and lacks contrast between the rusty throat and whitish belly like the eastern subspecies of Subalpine Warbler. Breeds in Mediterranean scrub. In winter found in semi-arid acacia savanna. Call a diagnostic dry “trrrrr,” reminiscent of Spectacled Warbler.
Southern Brown Kiwi
Apteryx australis
The largest of New Zealand’s kiwis. A reddish to dark brown kiwi with brown to black streaking. Inhabits native forest, tussock grassland, and neighboring farmland. Mostly nocturnal, with some day foraging observed on Stewart Island and certain locations in Fiordland. Restricted to the mountains near Haast, Fiordland, Stewart Island, and sanctuaries. Foraging produces clear audible sniffling. Males give a series of clear rising whistles while females give a harsh throaty wail. Both sexes repeat their call many times. Could be confused with Weka by voice and shape; look for the kiwi’s much longer bill and lack of tail, and listen for its multisyllabic call.
African Golden Oriole
Oriolus auratus
Typical Old World oriole with mostly yellow plumage and a red bill. Note the small black mask around the eye and the black wing that is heavily edged in yellow. Male is brighter yellow than female. Found in thick woodland and some forests. Song is a series of liquid whistles. Common call is an upslurred mew. Similar to Eurasian Golden Oriole, but the wing feathers have yellow edging, and the black face mask extends well behind the eye.
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