White-winged Cliff-Chat
Monticola semirufus
An attractive and distinctive chat of the Abyssinian highlands. Both sexes have dark upperparts and a large white patch in the middle of the wing. Males have a clean black hood and a red-orange belly, while females appear entirely dark save for the white wing patch, though close inspection reveals fine barring on the belly and rufous tones near the vent. Similar to Mocking Cliff-Chat, but easily separated by the white patch in the middle of the wing, rather than on the shoulder. The pretty, thrush-like song consists of low whistles and burry notes in short phrases.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Monticola semirufus
- Authority
- (Rüppell, 1837)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Monticola
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
White-faced Nunbird
Hapaloptila castanea
Rare and elusive denizen of Andean cloud forest; found at higher elevations than any other puffbird. Distinctive; note especially the stout, black bill bordered by white feathers, chestnut underparts, and red eye. Found inside forest, often near exposed earthen banks, which they favor as nesting sites. Remains motionless for extended periods before suddenly sallying out to catch an insect or other small animal. Typical song is a series of evenly spaced, mellow whistles that can be imitated.
Sickle-billed Vanga
Falculea palliata
Huge black-and-white vanga with a long curved bill. Juveniles have shorter bills. Madagascar endemic that is found at low elevations in spiny forest, dry deciduous forest, scrub, and plantations. Feeds by probing into cracks and crevices with its long bill, sometimes hanging upside down to do so. Very loud and vocal, giving a variety of calls including scolds, rasps, and a long wail that sounds almost like a human baby. Much larger than White-headed and Chabert Vangas, with a longer, curved bill.
Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl
Glaucidium nubicola
Small owl, active during the day and night. Very similar in plumage to other pygmy-owls; note elevation within very limited range in western Ecuador and Colombia. Found at higher elevations than Central American Pygmy-Owl and lower elevations than Andean Pygmy-Owl. Overall brown to rufous with white stripes on belly and small white spots on crown. Sexes alike. Quite rare. Found singly or in pairs in montane forests. Listen for doubled notes given on an even pitch.
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