Leyte Plumed-Warbler

Micromacronus leytensis

A tiny and very little-known bird of foothill forest on Samar and Leyte islands. Yellow below, with a broad yellow eyebrow and olive upperparts. Note the reddish eye and the long white plumes sprouting from the sides, lower back, and rump. Somewhat similar to the female Olive-backed Sunbird, but lacks the long bill and has white plumes. Voice thought to be similar to that of Mindanao Plumed-Warbler, which gives a sibilant chatter.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Micromacronus leytensis
Authority
Amadon, 1962
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Macrosphenidae
Genus
Micromacronus

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Other Birds

Tawny Lark

Tawny Lark

Galerida deva

A pale yellowish-brown lark with a long, spiky crest and a thick, short bill. The heavy streaking on the upperparts contrasts strongly with the rest of the plumage. Similar to the Malabar and Crested Larks, but Tawny is smaller, with minimal streaking on the breast, paler cheeks, and a different bill shape. It is found in dry, stony fields and grassland. Sings in flight with relaxed wingbeats. The song is extraordinarily rich, long, and continuous, including complex and effortless imitations of other species.

Square-tailed Kite

Square-tailed Kite

Lophoictinia isura

Uncommon, inconspicuous raptor with a fairly small bill. Adult has a pale head and reddish underparts with black streaks on neck. Juvenile has a more reddish head with less streaking. In flight, tail has obvious square corners with a dark band at the base. Sails over forest woodland habitats just above the tree canopy, typically with little wing movement. Occurs singly or in pairs. At a distance, and particularly when heavily worn, take care to identify juvenile birds from Black Kite, which has more uniformly patterned plumage.

Black-casqued Hornbill

Black-casqued Hornbill

Ceratogymna atrata

A gigantic black hornbill of African rainforests, often seen or heard in the canopy feeding on fruiting trees. Undertakes seasonal movements, and can be surprisingly common at certain times of year and absent in others. The male is a large black hornbill with a large black bill. Females have much smaller, paler bills with a brownish hood over their head and neck. Tail is long and black with a white tip, a feature that separates this species from other large hornbills within its range.. Voice is a loud braying wail that can be heard from several kilometers away.

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