Golden-bellied Flycatcher
Myiodynastes hemichrysus
Large and often noisy flycatcher of montane cloud forest. Yellow underparts, dark face, and white head stripes are suggestive of Great Kiskadee, but note that Golden-bellied Flycatcher has a white moustache stripe rather than a white throat; it is also found mainly at higher elevations. Birds from South America and eastern Panama have olive streaks on the breast; they were formerly considered subspecies of Golden-crowned Flycatcher. Perches at middle to upper levels of the forest, where it gives loud squeak- toy-like calls.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Myiodynastes hemichrysus
- Authority
- (Cabanis, 1861)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Tyrannidae
- Genus
- Myiodynastes
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Christmas Island-Thrush
Turdus erythropleurus
Brown and gray thrush with an orange belly, pale throat, and bright orange bill, eyering, legs, and feet. Inhabits forested habitats across Christmas Island, where it can sometimes be found quite close to human habitation; the only resident thrush on the island, and unmistakable. Often encountered foraging actively on the ground. Song is a variable series of doubled notes; calls include an explosive chattering series of rapid chup notes.
Short-crested Flycatcher
Myiarchus ferox
Fairly large flycatcher, mostly gray-brown above with a pale throat and pale yellow belly. Different subspecies vary in the tone of the upperparts, which may be warm or cold toned but all have dark bills. Found in savannas, semi-open woodlands, and at forest edges. Best distinguished from similar flycatchers by call: a short “police-officer” whistle “prrrih.”
Ashy Woodswallow
Artamus fuscus
A chunky, large-headed bird of open areas, usually found perched on wires or flying around in search of insects. Soft gunmetal gray with white underparts. Often found pressed together in pairs or tight groups when at rest. Sometimes flies in the same areas as swallows and swifts, but has a much thicker build, with triangular, somewhat starling-like wings. The only woodswallow throughout most of its range. Song is a somewhat myna-like series of sweet warbling and harsh chattering. Also gives nasal scolding “nyeh”, comparable to a jay or treepie.
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