Black-faced Coucal
Centropus melanops
A large, long-tailed bird of forest tangles in the lowlands and lower mountains of the southern Philippines. Distinguished by black belly and tail, chestnut wings, cream color from the upper back and chest up to the top of the crown, and a triangular black mask on the face reaching a point at the back of the head. No other similar species in range. Skulking and more often heard than seen. Gives a deep, rapid “wup-wup!” or a lazy, upslurred “woooop!”
Identification
The black-faced coucal (Centropus melanops) is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It is endemic to the Philippines found in the islands of Mindanao, Basilan Dinagat Islands Bohol, Leyte, Biliran and Samar. It is a striking coucal with its cream head contrasted with a black mask and tail and chestnut wings. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forest.
Taxonomy
Genus: Centropus; Family: Cuculidae; Order: Cuculiformes.
- Scientific name
- Centropus melanops
- Authority
- Lesson, RP, 1830
- Order
- Cuculiformes
- Family
- Cuculidae
- Genus
- Centropus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Southern Cassowary
Casuarius casuarius
Enormous flightless bird with dark glossy plumage and large, horn-like plate on colorful head with two red neck wattles. Unlikely to be confused with other species. Hatchlings are brown and strongly striped. Juvenile and Immature birds are similar to adults but browner and with an absent or developing head-plate. Found in dense tropical rainforest, where it can be seen crossing roads, or along roadsides.
Galapagos Flycatcher
Myiarchus magnirostris
Drab but entertaining flycatcher endemic to Galápagos. Plumage is largely brownish-gray with a yellow belly, pale gray throat, and white wingbars; head has a rusty tinge in fresh plumage. Also note stout bill. The only member of its genus found in Galápagos, greatly simplifying ID. Completely fearless of people. Energetically chases insects from the ground or from elevated perches, such as bushes, cacti, spotting scopes, and surprised tourists.
Cuzco Brushfinch
Atlapetes canigenis
Dark sparrow-like bird with a restricted range in the Andes of southern Peru. Dark gray with a reddish-orange crown. Forages singly or in pairs on the ground, not usually associating with other species. Extensive gray coloration and red crown distinguish it from other brushfinches within its range. Listen for its song, an emphatic metallic warble: “tseew, suweet.”
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