Little Shrikethrush (Tagula)
Colluricincla megarhyncha discolor
A chunky bird with a notably thick dark bill. Fairly nondescript: olive-brown on the upperparts and paler below. Found at low and middle elevations, in the understory and at middle levels of humid forest. Rich, melodious, variable song consists of whistles and rasping notes, often in an up-and-down pattern. Within its limited range, most likely to be confused with female Louisiade Whistler, but drabber overall, without yellow underparts.
Identification
A chunky bird with a notably thick dark bill. Fairly nondescript: olive-brown on the upperparts and paler below. Found at low and middle elevations, in the understory and at middle levels of humid forest. Rich, melodious, variable song consists of whistles and rasping notes, often in an up-and-down pattern. Within its limited range, most likely to be confused with female Louisiade Whistler, but drabber overall, without yellow underparts.
Taxonomy
This species was formerly considered a conspecific member of the little shrikethrush complex. Genetic investigations of New Guinea populations of the little shrikethrush indicate high levels of genetic divergence, suggesting it comprised more than one species.
- Scientific name
- Colluricincla megarhyncha discolor
- Authority
- De Vis, 1890
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pachycephalidae
- Genus
- Colluricincla
Range and habitat
It is found on Tagula Island in New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Photos
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