Reunion Cuckooshrike
Lalage newtoni
Fairly small, slim cuckooshrike in which males and females are strikingly different. Males are mostly gray with black wings and tail. Females have brown upperparts and white underparts with fine dark barring. Both sexes have some white in the tail. The juvenile is a drastically different-looking brownish bird with strong wing bars and unmarked buff underparts. Rare and local in montane forest on the island of Reunion. Gives a variety of vocalizations, including a quick series of identical whistles, a slower series of more nasal notes, and rough scolding calls. Within its small range, most similar to Reunion Bulbul, but easily separated by many details, including the lack of an orange bill.
识别特征
The Réunion cuckooshrike is a small arboreal bird. The plumage is dimorphic between the sexes. The male is grey coloured with a darker back and lighter underside; the face is darker and has the impression of a mask. The female is quite different, being dark brown above and striped underneath with a white eye-line. The call of the species is a clear whistled tui tui tui, from which is derived its local Réunion Creole/French name, tuit-tuit.
分类信息
Dutch naturalist François Pollen described the Réunion cuckooshrike in 1866.
- 学名
- Lalage newtoni
- 命名信息
- (Pollen, 1866)
- 目
- Passeriformes
- 科
- Campephagidae
- 属
- Lalage
分布与栖息地
The species is restricted to the forest canopy, with a distribution limited to two small patches of Réunion's native subtropical mountain forests in the north of the island. Although it once ranged across Réunion in suitable habitat, its stronghold is the Plaine des Chicots – Plaine d'Affouches Important Bird Area near the island capital of Saint-Denis. Its diet is principally insects, though fruit are also taken.
- 迁徙
- Resident species
保护状况
The Réunion cuckooshrike is a critically endangered species and is currently the focus of conservation efforts. Its range has declined significantly and is currently an area of just 16 km2. The population of the species is currently stable but at the low number of around 50 adult birds, and is very vulnerable to localised disasters such as forest fires or habitat degradation. Introduced cats and rats prey on the species (particularly on young birds), and introduced herbivores such as deer degrade what little habitat remains.<p>Formerly classified as an endangered species by the IUCN, it was suspected to be rarer than generally assumed. Following the evaluation of its status, this was found to be correct, and it is consequently uplisted to critically endangered status in 2008 as it is in immediate danger of extinction, numbering so few birds that it might be entirely wiped out by a single catastrophic event such as a tropical cyclone.<p>Pilot studies have shown that controlling rat and cat numbers around nesting sites leads to increased survival of chicks, and the test programme of trapping and poisoning is going to be expanded. The species' survival plan also includes recommendations to translocate some individuals to suitable habitat in other parts of the island.
- 种群趋势
- declining
照片
分布
其他鸟类
Violet Crow
Corvus violaceus
An entirely blackish short-tailed crow. Has a subtle purplish sheen that is visible in only certain lighting conditions. Juveniles lack purple gloss. Inhabits forest, edge, and plantations in the lowlands and foothills. Singles, pairs, or small groups can be found in the canopy. Recently described from Seram, and perhaps also occurs on Ambon and Buru. Unmistakable, being the only crow on these islands. Gives an odd call for a crow: a nasal, trumpeting “errr.” Gives more crow-like sounds too, but higher-pitched than many sounds of the family, including a high-pitched, guttural “kreh-kreh…”.
Oriole Finch
Linurgus olivaceus
Odd and unique member of the waxbill family. Males are yellow and olive-green with a black head; females are olive-green. Both sexes have a pink bill. Males vary geographically in how yellow or olive-green their back is, how much orange they show below, and whether or not they have a yellow collar. Found in and around montane forest, usually in pairs or small groups. Quiet and inconspicuous bird. The call is a sharp “tsik.” Males have a similar pattern to some weavers but are separated by their pink bill. Also similar to orioles, but much smaller.
Mitred Parakeet
Psittacara mitratus
A medium-sized green parakeet with a long tail and scattered red feathers on the face. Similar to Red-masked Parakeet, but the red on the face is usually less extensive and Mitred lacks the red underwings seen on Red-masked. Calls are loud screeches. Introduced to Hawaii and California, where it often coexists with Red-masked Parakeet and forms potential intergrades.
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。