Obi Cicadabird
Edolisoma obiense
Small cuckooshrike with a restricted range, found only on Obi and Bisa Islands, in the central Moluccas. Males are mainly gray with black on the face and wing. Distinctive female is mostly rufous-brown, with unmarked buffy underparts, and a gray cap. Found in forest and forest edge habitats. Vocalizations poorly known, but apparently include a long rattling note. The male is similar to male Pale Cicadabird, but is significantly darker, with a mostly black face. The rufous-brown female is completely different from the pale gray female Pale Cicadabird.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Edolisoma obiense
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Campephagidae
- Genus
- Edolisoma
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Silver Oriole
Oriolus mellianus
Male’s bone-white back and belly are unlike that of any other oriole. Female has the same black head and wings but has a gray-brown back and a densely streaked belly. Both sexes have reddish tails. Shape and color scheme are similar to Maroon Oriole (minimal range overlap), which is much darker and browner overall. Forages in the canopy and sometimes perches out on exposed snags and treetops. Uncommon and localized in lowland and foothill moist forests. Song is a musical, flute-like series of whistles. Gives cat-like mewing calls.
African Pipit
Anthus cinnamomeus
The default pipit across much of Africa. Brown above and pale below, with a streaked back, well-marked face, and white outer tail feathers. There is considerable geographic variation, from pale and sandy to rich brown and rufous. Found in a variety of open and usually grassy habitats, both near water and in dry areas. Call is a sneezing “tzsht”. Song comprises consecutive series of rattles, given in flight. Very similar to other pipits; some of the key features to look for include the yellow base of the bill, streaked back, and white outer tail feathers.
Rufous-breasted Leaftosser
Sclerurus scansor
Very secretive nondescript bird that moves stealthily on the ground of humid forests, digging in the leaf litter, where it is normally difficult to see. Brown overall with a long and slender bill, a rufous rump and breast, and a white throat. The rather infrequently given song is a sharp descending trill.
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