White-eared Monarch
Carterornis leucotis
Small songbird with long tail, slim bill. Mostly black above and pale gray below, with white wing panels, and multiple white patches on face. Worn birds show flecks of black in white patches. At close range, note prominent bristles around the bill. Actively forages in the outer canopy of mid-story shrubs and small trees in wetter forests of eastern Australia coast. Song a four-note whistle; also a plaintive descending 2-note “meet-choooo.”
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Carterornis leucotis
- Authority
- (Gould, 1850)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Monarchidae
- Genus
- Carterornis
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Gray-breasted Parakeet
Pyrrhura griseipectus
Highly gregarious small parakeet with a long, pointed tail. Has a chestnut face, a dark cap, a grayish scalloped breast, and a large red patch on the belly. Inhabits a handful of high-elevation forests across a very restricted range that it shares with few similar species.
Pitcairn Reed Warbler
Acrocephalus vaughani
A large cold-toned warbler with grayish-brown upperparts, yellowish-buff underparts, and variably white wings and tail. Irregular whitening of wings and tail give it a messy appearance. Found primarily in patches of tall forest, avoiding open areas. Voice is a harsh, scolding “chak, chak.” Does not sing.
South Island Saddleback
Philesturnus carunculatus
A medium-sized songbird endemic to New Zealand, confined to predator-free offshore islands and South Island mainland sanctuaries. Glossy black plumage with distinct chestnut saddle across the back, which gives the bird its name. Note the bright reddish-orange wattles on either side of the bill. Juveniles have smaller wattles and are chocolate brown for their first year. Listen for distinct calls resembling a blaring “cheeet ta-chet ta-chet ta-chet” sound. Constantly moves noisily as it restlessly forages on the floor and through the canopy. Flicks over leaves and digs into rotting logs with its strong bill in search of invertebrates. Distinguished from Eurasian Blackbird by chestnut saddle and wattles.
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