Bornean Wren-Babbler

Ptilocichla leucogrammica

Large, stout wren-babbler. Highly dependent on pristine lowland forests; populations now declining and increasingly fragmented across Borneo as that habitat is rapidly deforested. Shy, foraging quietly under dense cover and amongst fallen trunks, usually in pairs or small groups. Best detected by song, a simple but beautiful two-note series of mournful, clear whistles: “doooo-deeee.” If seen well, note whitish face, white-and-black-streaked underparts, brown back, and pot-bellied appearance.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Ptilocichla leucogrammica
Authority
(Bonaparte, 1850)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Pellorneidae
Genus
Ptilocichla

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Mindanao Heleia

Mindanao Heleia

Heleia goodfellowi

A fairly small bird of montane forest on Mindanao. Olive on the upperparts, darker in the wing and tail, with a blackish mask, dingy yellow underparts, and a pale gray throat. Usually found in mixed-species flocks with Cinnamon Ibon, Mountain White-eye, and Black-and-cinnamon Fantail. Similar to Yellow-bellied Whistler, but usually found at higher elevations, and has a thinner bill and dark mask. Gives a musical whistle and also a harsh grating call.

Chuuk Monarch

Chuuk Monarch

Metabolus rugensis

Medium-sized flycatcher-like bird with a long pointed bill. Male is bright white with a black face and throat. Female is entirely dark overall. Juvenile is rufous above and paler buff below. Endemic to the Chuuk Islands of Micronesia, where it primarily inhabits remnant upland native forest, extensive mangroves, and small forested atolls. Less frequently in degraded lowland forest. Favors areas with a dense understory, where it forages singly or in small groups, moving slowly through the foliage. Sparse and declining as a result of habitat loss. Gives low whistles and a nasal “jeer!”

Buff-cheeked Greenlet

Buff-cheeked Greenlet

Pachysylvia muscicapina

Small, sprightly bird of mixed-species flocks in the rainforest canopy. Note plain appearance with unmarked olive-green wings and back that contrast with buffy face and chest. Forages in leaf clusters at the ends of high branches, often hanging upside-down. Unlikely to be seen in forest understory or away from flocks. Delivers short, snappy song over and over while foraging.

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