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
Purple-breasted Sunbird
Nectarinia purpureiventris
Long, slim medium-sized sunbird. Breeding males show an array of beautiful iridescent colors in good light, and have a very long, thin tail year-round. Females have a dark face and pale throat. Generally uncommon in montane forest along the Albertine Rift. Most distinctive vocalization is a long, dry rattle, which is unlike the calls of most sunbirds. Fairly similar to Bronze Sunbird. Males are separated by their longer tail, and in breeding plumage by their purple tones. Females are separated by their more pointed tail and lack of a pale eyebrow.
Gray-collared Becard
Pachyramphus major
Scarce bird of tropical forest and woodland, from lowlands to highlands. Usually seen as singles or pairs at middle to upper levels, especially at fruiting trees; often travels with mixed-species feeding flocks of tanagers, orioles, warblers, etc. Tends to perch rather upright and quietly, easily overlooked. Male striking: gray, black, and white; no similar species in Mexico. Female is smaller than female Rose-throated Becard, with short pale eyebrow, contrasting wing and tail patterns (note graduated tail feathers). West Mexican female has rusty cap; elsewhere cap is blackish.
Norfolk Island Parakeet
Cyanoramphus cookii
Chunky medium-sized green parrot with a bright red forehead and broken line through the eye. Also note electric blue wing lining. One of only two parrots on Norfolk Island; compare with immature Crimson Rosella, which is much longer-tailed and differs in overall coloration. Inhabits remaining native forests on Norfolk Island. Gives noisy nasal yammering calls. Previously very rare, but active conservation management has restored numbers.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.