Scale-feathered Malkoha
Dasylophus cumingi
A spectacular large, long-tailed bird of lowland and montane forest. Blackish, with glossy wings, a white-tipped tail, rufous underparts and back, a yellow bill, red skin in front of and behind the eye, and a white hood with a line of scaled feathers down from the bill and up over the crown. Forages at all levels for insects and other prey, particularly in vine tangles. Sometimes joins mixed-species flocks. Similar in size and shape to Red-crested Malkoha, but Scale-feathered has an obvious white hood. Call is a chilling, high-pitched shriek.
Identification
Large, with unique plastic-like feathers on head and throat, sexes alike. And whole head grey, almost white on the throat with feather on top of head and Down center of throat to upper breast tipped with black scale-like feathers; upper back forming a continuous bend with chestnut on lower breast; back, wings, and graduated white-tipped tail glossy black on lower belly and under tail coverts.
Taxonomy
Genus: Dasylophus; Family: Cuculidae; Order: Cuculiformes.
- Scientific name
- Dasylophus cumingi
- Authority
- (Fraser, 1839)
- Order
- Cuculiformes
- Family
- Cuculidae
- Genus
- Dasylophus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Microcarbo melanoleucos
Small black and white cormorant with stubby yellow bill. In most of range has completely white undersides, lacking black "trousers." In New Zealand underparts coloration more variable, and can be anywhere from white to mostly black with a white throat and face. Take care to identify from Pied Cormorant, which has a long ivory bill and contrasting black “trousers” on the flanks near the legs. Found in a wide range of watery habitats, including small ponds, creeks, and dams.
Rufous-naped Bellbird
Aleadryas rufinucha
A medium-sized, plump bird of mid-montane forest understory. Distinctively patterned with an olive body, yellow throat, black moustache, white chest and gray face with rufous at the back of the head. Note the pale, beady eye. Some areas have a white forehead. Unique adult coloration with no similar species. Juvenile is olive above and rufous below. Voice, various piping notes, including a flat note repeated quickly like Piping Bellbird, or an upslurred one. Also rasping notes.
Undulated Antshrike
Frederickena unduliger
Magnificent dark antshrike of mature upland rainforest. Has a large head with a crest and strongly hooked bill. Males are slaty gray with fine black barring; females are tawny orange with fine black barring. Larger than most other antshrikes and antbirds in its range. Forages singly or in pairs in open understory, and seems to be somewhat rare throughout its range. Its song is a gradually rising series of low whistles given at a steady pace.
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