White-collared Monarch
Symposiachrus vidua
A small pied monarch with a white collar, belly, and rump. Has a black hood and chest, black wings with a large white patch, and a black tail with white tips to outer corners. Found in primary forest and secondary growth up to at least 800 meters of elevation. Voice includes a thin wavering whistle and harsh scolding chattering.
Taxonomy
This species was originally described as belonging to the genus Piezorhynchus (a synonym for Myiagra) and subsequently classified in the genus Monarcha prior to being moved to Symposiachrus in 2009. Alternate names include the San Cristobal monarch and scaled monarch.<p>There are two subspecies recognized:
- Scientific name
- Symposiachrus vidua
- Authority
- (Tristram, 1879)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Monarchidae
- Genus
- Symposiachrus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
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Trichoglossus reticulatus
A beautiful red parrot with scattered dark markings confined to the Tanimbar Islands. Entirely scarlet underneath, with a deep blue stripe through the eye, a red bill, a dark back and tail, and scattered red markings on dark wings. Juveniles have a brown bill and dark-edged feathers on the underparts. Found in groups in lowland forest, edge, plantations, and mangroves. Much smaller than female Eclectus Parrot, with a dark streak through the eye and a red-colored undertail. Gives various high-pitched, lorikeet-like screeches: “EEEEK!”
Pied Cuckoo-Dove
Reinwardtoena browni
A large silver and black cuckoo-dove that shows obvious contrast between the light silver chest, belly, neck, and head and the much darker gray wings and tail. More confined to primary foothill forest than other cuckoo-doves in its range, which are smaller and less robust, lacking the distinctive silver-gray color scheme of Pied. Often betrays its presence with loud and clear calls, often a clear rising “woooow” followed by a more hoarse “whhhow.”
Black-eared Wood-Quail
Odontophorus melanotis
Plump chickenlike bird found on the ground inside humid lowland forests from Honduras to Panama, up to around 1,600 m. Look for rufous underparts that contrast with black cheek and throat. Uncommon and infrequently seen. Pairs or small groups walk on the forest floor. Listen for its rollicking “who-whoop, who-whoop, who-whoop” song.
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