Red-faced Malkoha
Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus
Large, spectacular malkoha of moist lowland and mid-hill forest. Unmistakable with bright red face, yellowish bill, white belly and long, white-tipped tail. Found in the dense canopy of tall trees where it feeds on insects and small vertebrates. Normally found in pairs and often associates with mixed flocks usually led by Orange-billed Babblers. It can be hard to see despite its flashy appearance. Usually silent but does soft clucking and a call like static noise.
识别特征
This is a large species at 46 cm with a long graduated tail. Its back is dark green, and the uppertail is green edged with white. The belly and undertail are white, the latter being barred black. The crown and throat are black, and the lower face white. There is a large red patch around the eye and the bill is green. Sexual dimorphism present where males are having dark brown iris and females are with creamy white iris. Juveniles are with much duller plumage.<p>The red-faced malkoha takes a variety of insects including caterpillars, giant stick insects, mantises and small vertebrates such as lizard. It occasionally may eat berries but this needs confirmation.<p>Unlike most cuckoos, this is a quiet species, making only the odd soft grunt.
分类信息
- 学名
- Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus
- 命名信息
- (Pennant, 1769)
- 目
- Cuculiformes
- 科
- Cuculidae
- 属
- Phaenicophaeus
分布与栖息地
It is endemic to Sri Lanka although some old records have apparently erroneously referred to its presence in southern India. According to Baker (1934), it is found in the 'South of Travancore, where it was obtained by Stewart together with its nests'. Later, Biddulph reported a red-faced malkoha in Madurai district, southern Tamil Nadu. Thilo Hoffmann later pointed out that this record would not stand up to a modern records committee, and it is now best disregarded.<p>The presence of red-faced malkoha in the island is largely confined to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and the surrounding vegetation, which is one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world. The red-faced malkoha is a bird of dense forests, where it can be difficult to see despite its size and colour. It prefers low country wet zone forests, sub-montane forests, montane forests and riverine forests in few dry zone forests in Sri Lanka. It can be seen in most of the largest rain forest patches in the wet zone and in dry zone Yala National Park, Lahugala National Park, Wasgamuwa National Park and Udawalawe National Park.
- 迁徙
- Resident species
行为
They are found in nearly half of the mixed-species foraging flocks in the Sinharaja area.Most of the individuals of Red-faced Malkohas which participate in the mixed-species bird flocks tend to prefer in the front of the flock. There is a high probability to see this cryptic bird in the flock if you observe the front half of the flock.
保护状况
- 种群趋势
- declining
照片
分布
其他鸟类
Purple Honeycreeper
Cyanerpes caeruleus
Very small tanager, widespread and common in lowlands and foothills of northern South America. Male is indigo-blue with narrow black mask, black throat, and black wings. Note long decurved bill and yellow legs to separate from other honeycreepers in most of range. Female much different: she is mostly green with pale streaking on underparts, a grizzled buffy-brown face, and a blue mustache stripe. Extremely similar to Shining Honeycreeper, but very little range overlap. Male Shining has larger black throat patch and slightly shorter bill; female has duller, grayer crown and less buffy face. Usually in small groups, often accompanying a mixed-species flock in the canopy. Found in forests, edges, and gardens.
Lined Seedeater
Sporophila lineola
Very small finchlike bird with a short stubby bill. Males are mostly black with a white belly. Note the male’s white crown and large white mustache. Females are dull and plain brown and are difficult to separate from the Lesson’s Seedeater of Amazonia. Found in grasslands and shrubby areas; often seen in large flocks, especially on migration.
Sooty Grouse
Dendragapus fuliginosus
Large, dark chickenlike bird found in wooded habitats, usually with conifers and shrubby undergrowth. Typically seen on the ground; easiest to detect in midsummer when females and chicks frequent roadsides and trails. When male displays, ruffles neck feathers to reveal wrinkled yellow skin and makes deep hooting noise, slightly higher pitched than Dusky. Female browner and more intricately patterned. Note large size and relatively long tail. Feeds on plant matter, especially conifer needles. Separate from Dusky Grouse by range.
开始您的观鸟之旅
在户外识别鸟类，并在下一次观察时随手查阅鸟类图鉴。