Taiwan Shortwing
Brachypteryx goodfellowi
A small, dark songster of montane forest floor and undergrowth. Note dark brown body with a fairly bold white eyebrow. Unlike most shortwings, there is little difference between male and female plumages, though eyebrow may be less conspicuous on females. Furtive and difficult to see well; forages on the ground of various types of forest, including bamboo, fern, and mossy forest. Song a short phrase starting with a high-pitched clear whistle, followed by a jumbled slightly flutey note. Call a relatively low, knocking wooden rattle.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Brachypteryx goodfellowi
- Authority
- Ogilvie-Grant, 1912
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Brachypteryidae
- Genus
- Brachypteryx
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- unknown
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds

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Pied Monarch
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Small black-and-white flycatcher found in wetter forests of northern Queensland. White underparts except for black breast band, with black mask, tail, and wings, blue eyering, and back back with white band. Rear of head has large puffy white collar (like a space helmet). Compare Frill-necked Monarch, which lacks black breast band and has more black under chin. Forages treecreeper-style, moving up and down tree trunks looking for insects in the bark. Calls include a fast repeated whistle.

Red-winged Wood-Rail
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Large rainforest rail found in hilly areas of eastern Ecuador, northeastern Peru, and far western Brazil. Rare and most likely to be encountered in remote, undisturbed forest that is difficult to access. Compared to the more common Gray-cowled Wood-Rail, it has a bright cinnamon hind neck and mostly gray underparts that lack any chestnut. Usually found in the vicinity of streams and creeks. Typical call is a whining, descending squeal.
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