Sangkar White-eye
Zosterops melanurus
Typical-looking white-eye, with bright yellowish upperparts and bright white “spectacles.” Recently split from Oriental White-eye, to which it may still be referred to as in older literature. Throughout most of its range, this species has a yellow belly, but birds in the far western corner of Java have gray bellies. The only “classic white-eye” throughout much of its range; in areas of overlap with other species, Sangkar’s combination of dark eyes and a prominent dark stripe between the eye and bill base serve to identify it. Found in lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, gardens, and plantations. Calls include bright, descending “deee, deee.” Song is jumbled and high-pitched, and has made this species a sought-after target in the cagebird trade; as such, it is now uncommon or rare in certain areas of otherwise suitable habitat.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Zosterops melanurus
- Authority
- Hartlaub, 1865
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Zosteropidae
- Genus
- Zosterops
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Helmet Vanga
Euryceros prevostii
Huge black vanga with a rufous back and an enormous blue bill. Rare and localized Madagascar endemic that is found in northeastern rainforest at low and middle elevations. Usually in the mid-story, perching motionless for long periods. Often joins flocks with other large vangas. Most easily located when nesting in a large mossy cup that is placed on a forking mid-story branch. Song is a long, delicate, high-pitched, slightly descending trill.
Itatiaia Spinetail
Asthenes moreirae
Small, plain, long-billed and long-tailed spinetail with a restricted range. Found in bamboo thickets and clearings in montane forests with grass and shrubs where it forages in the understory. Note the rufous chin contrasting with a dull-brown body. The song is a high-pitched ascending and descending trill.
Red-throated Crag-Martin
Ptyonoprogne rufigula
A subtly colored member of the swallow family. Dark brown on the back with paler underparts. The forked tail has white spots, though these are not always easy to see. The “red throat” amounts to a slight pinkish tinge. Nests in canyons, escarpments, gorges, and on human structures. Often seen in pairs or small groups. At a distance, can be confused with “Riparia” martins; look for Pale Crag-Martin’s white tail patches. Separation from Southern Crag-Martin may be tricky, but there is little overlap in range.
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