Dusky Piha
Lipaugus fuscocinereus
This large, relatively long-tailed cotinga is completely lacking in distinctive plumage: it is entirely plain gray. Sexes alike. Found from around 2,000–3,000 m, far above the elevation range of any similar cotingas. Could be confused with Great Thrush, which is a similar size and color, but note dark legs and bill. Also focus on the Piha’s shape, with its long tail, short bill, and round head. Occurs in humid cloud forest, where it typically perches inconspicuously in the middle to upper levels of forest. Often found around fruiting trees.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Lipaugus fuscocinereus
- Authority
- (Lafresnaye, 1843)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Cotingidae
- Genus
- Lipaugus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Bluish-fronted Jacamar
Galbula cyanescens
Small, long-billed bird of forest interiors. Iridescent green with a orangish belly and dark bill. Some individuals may have white chins. Sits on vines and exposed branches and sallies for insects, sometimes around mixed-species flocks. Found in areas with dense vegetation, like vine tangles, tree fall gaps, and bamboo.
Amethyst Sunbird
Chalcomitra amethystina
Large sunbird with a long but thin bill. Males sometimes look all-black but also show green and maroon iridescent patches in good light. Females have pale eyebrows and streaked underparts. Found in forest, moist scrub, woodland, and gardens. Generally uncommon. The song is a mix of “chyup” notes and higher scratchy notes and twitters. Male is distinctive in good light. Female can be confused with female Scarlet-chested Sunbird but shows an eyebrow stripe and has streaks rather than smudges below. Also similar to female Green-throated Sunbird, but less boldly streaked below than that species.
Japanese Scops-Owl
Otus semitorques
Small grayish owl with prominent ear tufts and dark red eyes, found in lowland and hill forests, forest edges, parks, and gardens. Ryukyu Scops-Owl and Oriental Scops-Owl both have yellow to orangish eyes; Japanese has a more complete collar and more contrastingly pale facial disc. Vocalizations include a variety of meowing, croaking, and barking calls, as well as shrill screeches.
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