Black-tailed Treecreeper
Climacteris melanurus
Distinctive very dark bird with large feet, most often seen running up and down the sides of trees in dry forest, savanna, and moist lowland forest of northern Australia, where it is the only treecreeper species. Uniformly rich, dark brown, almost black, with white streaks on the throat. In flight. shows bold tan wingbars. The western subspecies (wellsi) has reddish-brown underparts. Call is a slow, repeated "pip pip pip," usually followed by a fast trill of the same note.
Identification
Both genders are dark brown and black-tailed. The male has a black throat while the female has a white throat.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Climacteris melanurus
- Authority
- Gould, 1843
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Climacteridae
- Genus
- Climacteris
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Mindoro Racquet-tail
Prioniturus mindorensis
A medium-sized parrot of lowland and foothill forest on Mindoro. The two central tail feathers have extended shafts ending in a racket shape. Overall green in color, darker on the back and paler below, with deeper green on the head, a deep blue central crown, and a dark blue hind-crown and edge to the wing. Note the pale bill. Occurs together with Blue-naped Parrot, but is smaller and lacks the thick red bill. Voice includes various squeals and grating calls.
Great Gray Shrike
Lanius excubitor
Thrush-sized bird; pale gray overall with black mask. In flight, watch for white patches in the wings. In areas of overlap, compare with other gray shrikes. Inhabits open habitats with scattered vegetation, from open forests to bogs and brushy meadows. Often seen on prominent perches, including power lines and short treetops, that offer perfect vantages for from which to spot prey. Carnivorous habits make shrikes unique among passerines, feeding on rodents and small birds. Vocalizations include bright short liquid trills and “gargling” phrases, often strung together into a repetitive song.
Band-bellied Owl
Pulsatrix melanota
Impressive, strongly-patterned owl of cloud forest along the east slope of the Andes. Note brown breast, banded belly, and white “X” on otherwise dark face. Juvenile is creamy white with a black mask. Usually first detected by its far-carrying song that is often given as a duet. One owl starts with a pulsing series of low-pitched, guttural notes. Another owl responds with a similar vocalization but at a slightly different pitch, and after a few moments the first owl sings again.
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