Javan Woodcock

Scolopax saturata

Rare and reclusive long-billed inhabitant of moist montane and foothill forests at 1350-3000 meters. Dark brown and heavily patterned overall, with densest patterning on the back. Small pale patch present on upper belly. Forages in dense vegetation, flushing explosively if sufficiently startled. Can be quite tame, allowing close approach if located. Flies between and sings from display perches, giving a fast-paced series of “chu” notes. Also gives a high-pitched sneezing call, and a lower harsh note.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Scolopax saturata
Authority
Horsfield, 1821
Order
Charadriiformes
Family
Scolopacidae
Genus
Scolopax

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Pale-fronted Nigrita

Pale-fronted Nigrita

Nigrita luteifrons

An easily overlooked gray finch of forest edges and farms, occurring in small groups or with mixed-species flocks, often with other species of nigrita. Males are largely gray above and black below, with dark gray wings and a very pale whitish forehead. Females are largely gray all over with darker wings, a black face mask, and a pale whitish forehead. Both males and females have pale pinkish legs. Occurs with all three other nigrita species, and males can be confused with Gray-headed Nigrita, but note Pale-fronted Nigrita’s lack of spots on the wings and pale forehead. Calls include soft “tew” notes and four descending whistles, “twe-tee-tee-tee.” The song is a longer series of descending whistles.

Pileated Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

Large, unmistakable woodpecker. Mostly black, with red crest and bold white stripes on head and neck. Flies with deep, rowing wingbeats, almost like a crow but more irregular; also look for mostly white underwings and white patches on upperwing. Pairs inhabit mature deciduous or coniferous forests with large trees. Makes large oval-shaped holes in decaying trees to search for insects. Listen for slow resonant drumming and loud clucking calls. Occasionally visits feeders in appropriate habitat, especially fond of suet.

Dusky Warbler

Dusky Warbler

Phylloscopus fuscatus

Small songbird, mud brown above, pale below, with pale tan supercilium (white only in the lores) and black eyeline. Smaller-billed than the similar Radde's Warbler, which has a predominantly white supercilium (tan only in the lores). Inhabits a wide range of areas with dense, low vegetation, from open forests to agricultural field edges. Forages low in undergrowth, but regularly pops out to investigate surroundings. Easily detected by its hard “tak” calls, given constantly as it moves around out of sight. Song is a bland, brief series of rapidly repeated phrases: “jijijijiji.”

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