Kolombangara Leaf Warbler

Phylloscopus amoenus

A small warbler with a dark cap and eye-stripe and a yellow eyebrow. Strongly yellow below, dark chestnut brown above. Bill and legs pale. Found in mossy forest above 1200 meters of elevation. Very similar to Island Leaf Warbler, but yellowish rather than light gray below, with pale bill and legs. Song a tinkling warble, but more commonly heard giving quiet “tzik” call.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Phylloscopus amoenus
Authority
(Hartert, EJO, 1929)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Phylloscopidae
Genus
Phylloscopus

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
stable

Photos

Distribution

Other Birds

Horned Parakeet

Horned Parakeet

Eunymphicus cornutus

Spectacular, relatively large mostly green parakeet with blue on the tail and wings, black face, red crown, and thin but prominent “horns” consisting of a crest made up of a pair of black feathers. Found in remnant patches of high-quality forest. Larger than other parrot species on New Caledonia, with a distinctive voice: relatively low-pitched, nasal notes that sound more like some calls of New Caledonian Friarbird than a parakeet.

Slender-billed Gull

Slender-billed Gull

Chroicocephalus genei

Medium-sized gull with a long, slender bill. Breeding adult has a clean white head and dark red bill, and frequently shows a strong rosy-pink flush to the underparts. Non-breeding adult similar, but may show slight smudge on the head. Immature has orange bill with small brown patches on the wings, most readily seen in flight. Compare with Black-headed Gull; note Slender-billed's longer bill, sloping forehead, and "snouty" profile. Breeds in colonies in inland and coastal wetlands, but restricted to coastal wetlands when not breeding. Away from main range, found singly or in pairs, at times in association with much commoner Black-headed Gull.

Colonist Kingfisher

Colonist Kingfisher

Todiramphus colonus

A recently recognized species with a dark greenish back, brighter bluish-green wings, a dark face-mask, a greenish cap, a white collar, and a buffy-orange spot in front of the eye. Bill relatively weak and thin. Found in most habitats, but mainly coastal, preferring mangroves. Very similar to Pacific and Sacred Kingfishers but smaller, with a straighter, less curved bill than both. Lacks buffy underparts of Sacred Kingfisher. Voice little known, but presumably similar to Pacific Kingfisher’s.

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