Tawitawi Brown-Dove
Phapitreron cinereiceps
A medium-sized dove of lowland secondary forest on Tawi-Tawi Island, where it is the only brown-dove. Dark brown above with a gray head, purplish iridescence on the back of the neck, rufous-brown underparts from the throat to the belly, white under the base of the tail, and a pale gray tail tip. Does not resemble any other similarly sized doves in its range. Sings an accelerating series on the same pitch, ending in a trill, “dup-dup-dup-du-du-d-d-drrrrr,” reminiscent of a ping-pong ball falling on a table.
Taxonomy
EBird describes the bird as "A medium-sized dove of lowland secondary forest on Tawi-Tawi Island, where it is the only brown-dove. Dark brown above with a gray head, purplish iridescence on the back of the neck, rufous-brown underparts from the throat to the belly, white under the base of the tail, and a pale gray tail tip. Does not resemble any other similarly sized doves in its range. Sings an accelerating series on the same pitch, ending in a trill, 'dup-dup-dup-du-du-d-d-drrrrr', reminiscent of a ping-pong ball falling on a table."
- Scientific name
- Phapitreron cinereiceps
- Authority
- (Bourns & Worcester, 1894)
- Order
- Columbiformes
- Family
- Columbidae
- Genus
- Phapitreron
Range and habitat
Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland secondary forests and forest edge with it being less common in primary forest. It being more common in these areas shows that it is tolerant of degraded forests .<p>The IUCN Red List classifies this bird as an endangered species with population estimates of 250 to 999 mature individuals This species' main threat is habitat loss with wholesale clearance of forest habitats as a result of legal and illegal logging, mining and conversion into farmlands through Slash-and-burn and urbanization. Hunting and trapping also occurs despite laws against these practices.<p>There are no protected areas in the archipelago. A project proposal exists to provide conservation funding for the Tawitawi/Sulu Coastal Area.<p>There are no species specific conservation programs going on at the moment.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
White-eared Barbet
Stactolaema leucotis
Small and distinctive dark-brown-and-white barbet. The amount of white on the face varies geographically, but there is always a white stripe behind the eye. Found in forest, forest edge, moist woodland, and moist scrub. Usually in small and vocal groups; often perched in prominent dead trees. The call is an agitated “kiik” that is often repeated. Separated from other barbets by the white ear patch and lack of yellow or olive-green tones to the plumage.
Flammulated Flycatcher
Ramphotrigon flammulatum
Medium-sized flycatcher of thorn forest and brushy woodland in tropical lowlands and foothills of west Mexico. Mostly sluggish and easily overlooked unless singing; tends to stay within cover rather than coming out into open areas. Resembles a Myiarchus flycatcher (especially Dusky-capped), but note the pale spectacles, faint dusky streaks on the breast (or flammulations ) and extensive cinnamon edging to the wing feathers.
Chiriqui Foliage-gleaner
Automolus exsertus
Skulking and generally inconspicuous brown bird of humid tropical forest. Found as singles or pairs, clambering in vine tangles or other dense understory, at times in leaf litter on the forest floor; usually difficult to see clearly. Note the rich buffy throat, broad eyebrow, and the dark rusty tail on an otherwise dark brownish bird. Loud song is a repeated, churring rattle, given from middle level perches inside the forest.
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