Timor Nightjar
Caprimulgus ritae
Endemic to the islands of Timor, Wetar, and Alor, this little-known nightjar was only described in 2024. Inhabits forests and forest edges, where nocturnal habits and cryptic plumage make it difficult to see. Listen instead for its song, a series of hollow knocking notes: “tok-tok-tok-tok-tok-tok”, quite different from the buzzy “dzwee” of Savanna Nightjar, which overlaps in range but favors more open habitats. If seen well, note white throat and tips of undertail, as well as overall less diffuse patterning than Savanna Nightjar.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Caprimulgus ritae
- Order
- Caprimulgiformes
- Family
- Caprimulgidae
- Genus
- Caprimulgus
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Flavescent Warbler
Myiothlypis flaveola
Yellowish warbler found in deciduous dry forests and gallery forests where it forages hyperactively on the ground. Olive-green above and yellow below with orange legs. Note the conspicuous yellow eyebrow. The song is loud and melodious “titzi teetee teetee chiiw chiiw chiiw."
Leyte Plumed-Warbler
Micromacronus leytensis
A tiny and very little-known bird of foothill forest on Samar and Leyte islands. Yellow below, with a broad yellow eyebrow and olive upperparts. Note the reddish eye and the long white plumes sprouting from the sides, lower back, and rump. Somewhat similar to the female Olive-backed Sunbird, but lacks the long bill and has white plumes. Voice thought to be similar to that of Mindanao Plumed-Warbler, which gives a sibilant chatter.
Andaman Treepie
Dendrocitta bayleii
A slender, medium-sized dark bird with a long tail. The face, wings, and tail are black, while the underparts and back are reddish-brown. Note the small white patch on the wings. Found in well-wooded habitats, where it forms small groups and mixes with other species in hunting parties. Calls include a variety of metallic sounds, harsh screeches, dry trills, and soft whistles.
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