Rufous-winged Illadopsis

Illadopsis rufescens

A mid-sized, chunky, drably colored babbler. Has a white throat and pale gray underparts, often with some darker olive-brown on the breast. Found in the understory of rainforest at low and middle elevations, usually in pairs. Shy and skulking, and rarely seen unless searched for. Similar to other illadopsises, and best located and distinguished by voice. Visually most similar to Puvel’s Illadopsis, but found in different habitat, slightly smaller, and grayer, less buffy, on the underparts. Paler below than Brown or Pale-breasted Illadopsises. Most often detected by distinctive voice: a series of several whistles in an up then down pattern that is weirdly reminiscent of trying to start a car. 

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Illadopsis rufescens
Authority
(Reichenow, 1878)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Pellorneidae
Genus
Illadopsis

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Southern Yellowthroat

Southern Yellowthroat

Geothlypis velata

Skulking warbler typically found in marshes, moist grassland, and edge of swampy forest. Male is quite distinctive with his black bandit mask and gray crown. Female can be confusing, but her yellow throat usually stands out against her olive upperparts and sides. Song is a rich up-and-down series of whistles. Calls include a descending series of chip notes and a short rasp. Pairs usually stay well hidden, but males sometimes sing from an exposed perch. This species is at least partially migratory. In the southern part of its range it is present only in the austral summer, when it breeds, then moves north in the winter. In some parts of its range it can be seen year-round. Formerly considered a subspecies of Masked Yellowthroat.

Raffles's Malkoha

Raffles's Malkoha

Rhinortha chlorophaea

Long-tailed cuckoo that clambers about in the branches like a squirrel. Male predominantly bright rufous-brown with darker tail, female has gray head and chest. Both sexes have bright blue skin around the eye and blue bill. Forages in middle levels of vegetation in lowland and foothill forests, singly or in pairs. Gives sharp meowing calls (often repeated), as well as croaks and chirping notes.

Band-tailed Antshrike

Band-tailed Antshrike

Thamnophilus melanothorax

A rarely encountered large antshrike. Both sexes are distinctive; male is mostly black with a broad white tail band, whereas female is mostly rusty-colored with a black face and throat. Pairs inhabit disturbed areas in forested regions and are especially fond of dense vine tangles. May ascend into midstory but usually remains in undergrowth where they are difficult to see. Song is a slow series of hollow notes, much slower than other antshrikes in range; also harsh churring in alarm. Range incompletely known.

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