Rufous-backed Sibia
Leioptila annectens
Ebony head and snowy throat, combined with the hazy mixture of bright orange and black on the back, give this bird a distinctly “tortoiseshell” appearance. Appears larger-headed and slightly shorter-tailed than other sibias. Inhabits foothill and montane forests, where it travels in pairs and flocks through the canopy. Unlike other sibias, frequently clambers around on tree trunks and branches like a nuthatch. Listen for its lovely warbled song and buzzy chattering calls.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Leioptila annectens
- Authority
- Blyth, 1847
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Leiothrichidae
- Genus
- Leioptila
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds

Collared Owlet
Taenioptynx brodiei
A tiny brown owl of mountains and foothills; descends into valleys and lowlands during the winter. Appears in both rufous and gray morphs, both dark above and white below with long, distinct streaks on the flanks. Tooting song, often given during the day, can be mistaken for that of a barbet, but the Collared Owlet song has four discrete notes, with the second and third notes given close together.

Golden-crowned Kinglet
Regulus satrapa
Tiny, hyperactive songbird usually found in conifer trees. Look for black stripes on the head and bold wing pattern. The namesake golden crown is usually just a small stripe, but can be flared into an expressive fiery-orange crest when agitated. Breeds in coniferous forests, usually staying high in trees. In migration and winter, often joins mixed flocks of other songbirds in a wider variety of wooded habitats. Very active; often hovers and flicks wings as it forages. Listen for extremely high-pitched call notes.

Square-tailed Bulbul
Hypsipetes ganeesa
Elegant dark bulbul with a bright red bill; very similar in appearance to Black Bulbul, but no range overlap. Dark charcoal-gray with a black crown. Fairly common in lowland and hill forests and forest edges, often gathering in large flocks, particularly outside of the breeding season. Song is a loud, high-pitched “chi-chik-chik!” Frequently gives a loud nasal meow, like a cat with a cold.
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