Long-tailed Sibia
Heterophasia picaoides
Truly long-tailed, even for a sibia, this bird appears rather dainty and small-headed in comparison with most of its relatives. Gray overall, darker on the wings and tail. Mostly lacks the contrasting patterns of other sibias, with only a small white patch near the wingtip. Forages in flocks in open hill forests, edges, and adjacent scrubby second growth. Despite striking appearance, often heard before it’s seen: listen for its loud chittering rattle.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Heterophasia picaoides
- Authority
- (Hodgson, 1839)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Leiothrichidae
- Genus
- Heterophasia
Range and habitat
The long-tailed sibia is found from the Himalayas through South East Asia and Sumatra. It is found in evergreen forest, oak and pine forests, secondary growth, scrub with large trees and forest edge habitats.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Brachycope anomala
A small odd finch-like weaver with a short stubby tail. Breeding male has a yellowish crown and breast and a black face mask. Non-breeding male, female, and juvenile are buffy with blackish edging to the upperparts. A locally common resident in clearings near large rivers within the forested Congo Basin, where populations are scattered. Found in pairs and small groups. Vocalizations are quite simple: repeatedly gives a harsh “djet,” and the song has some liquid notes. Non-breeding male and female could be confused with many other small dull birds, but the short tail is unique.
Australian Pelican
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Ward's Flycatcher
Pseudobias wardi
Small black-and-white vanga that looks uncannily like a monarch flycatcher. Madagascar endemic that is found in the canopy of eastern rainforest at middle elevations. Call is a short, burped trill. Usually seen in pairs, sometimes joining mixed flocks with other bird species. Overall coloration, including black band across the chest, unlike other birds in its range.
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