Sula Golden-Bulbul
Hypsipetes longirostris
A noticeably long-billed thrush-sized bird with an olive head and upperside and uniform yellow underparts. Pairs or small groups inhabit forests, edges, and plantations in the lowlands and foothills. Endemic to the Sula Islands, where it is the only bulbul present. Vocalizations include a series of churring warbles, as well as harsh rasping notes and soft “whip” and bubbling calls.
Taxonomy
The Sula golden bulbul was originally classified in the genus Criniger, and has also been classified in the genus Alophoixus. The Sula golden bulbul was formerly considered as conspecific with five other bulbuls, all called the northern golden bulbul before they were all split.
- Scientific name
- Hypsipetes longirostris
- Authority
- (Wallace, 1863)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pycnonotidae
- Genus
- Hypsipetes
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
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Actenoides princeps
A large forest kingfisher with a deep purple-blue head, a brown back, a pale collar, and whitish underparts. Bold scaling on upperparts and underparts is diagnostic. Males show a small buff mark at the base of the bill, while females show a buff eyebrow and moustache. North Sulawesi form has a buff collar, but collar is orange elsewhere on Sulawesi. Juveniles are more heavily scaled, with a dull-colored bill. Found in dense understory of forests in the hills and mountains. Vocalizations include a rising and falling mournful whistle, “weeeeyu,” and an agitated chatter.
White-throated Crake
Laterallus albigularis
Small marsh bird, very difficult to see as it creeps through dense grass. Far more easily heard: listen for a loud descending chatter that lasts several seconds. If you are lucky enough to spot one, look for the combination of rich rufous neck and sides of breast, whitish throat, and barred black-and-white flanks. Favors damp pastures and marshes, where it usually stays hidden but occasionally runs through open areas.
Black-and-buff Woodpecker
Meiglyptes jugularis
Adorably tiny and stout woodpecker. Triangular crest makes the head seem disproportionately large at a distance. Odd patchy black-and-white patterning is unique and easily recognizable. Male has a subtle reddish tinge to the bill base, but the two sexes are otherwise quite similar. Inhabits lowland to foothill forests, where it prefers open patches and edges. Forages in pairs or singly, poking about on slender branches and around leaf clusters. Gives a squeaky two-note call and a high-pitched rattling trill.
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