Sunda Scimitar-Babbler
Pomatorhinus bornensis
An attractive, fierce-eyed babbler of tropical lowland and lower montane rainforest. Black head with prominent, long, white eyebrow, white from the throat to mid-belly, contrasting strongly with remaining dark maroon body. Note the slightly decurved, horn-colored bill. Forages singly or in pairs through the midstorey, sometimes joining mixed species flocks. Unmistakable if seen well. Calls variable, but commonly gives a soft “wu-tu” with a rising “whip!” before or after. A second bird sometimes follows with a long sputtering series of notes.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Pomatorhinus bornensis
- Authority
- Cabanis, 1851
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Timaliidae
- Genus
- Pomatorhinus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Black-bellied Bustard
Lissotis melanogaster
A lithe, medium-sized bustard with black daubs on a mostly tan-colored back. The male has a black belly, neck stripe, throat, and face patch. The female is uniform buff-brown from the belly to the head. In flight, both sexes have white windows in the wings. Singles and pairs inhabit tall grassland and grassy savanna. Its strange display involves the male stretching his neck and making a frog-like “kwoork” croak, and as he retracts his head to the shoulders, follows with a “grrrr” growl and champagne-cork-like “pop” while his head lifts again. He also performs an aerial display with the wings held back rigidly and with a puffed throat exposed.
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Familiar but stunning jay found year-round throughout most of eastern North America. Bright blue above and pale gray below with a fluffy crest. Also look for black necklace and black and white markings on the wings and tail. Pairs or small groups travel through mature deciduous or coniferous woodlands, often revealing their presence with loud, harsh “jay” calls. Frequently visits bird feeders, where it is often aggressive towards other birds.
Black-billed Magpie
Pica hudsonia
Large, conspicuous, black-and-white bird; related to crows and jays. Unmistakably long tail and bold pattern, especially visible in flight. Often spotted along roadsides in open country, fields, and towns. Social and inquisitive, often in small groups foraging on the ground.
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