Black-bellied Seedeater

Typical scops-owl, with small ear tufts that can be hidden, especially when roosting during the day. Color varies from gray to brown to rufous, with rufous birds more prevalent in the eastern rainforest. Inhabits both moist and dry habitats throughout Madagascar, including rainforest, dry deciduous forest, spiny forest, scrub, and plantations. Often found on day roosts in low tangles. Song varies geographically. In the east, it is a punctuated “tru-tru-tru…”. In the west it is a more rolling “trrr-trrr-trrr…”. Intermediate vocalizations can be heard in transitional zones, such as far northern Madagascar. Much smaller than all of Madagascar’s other owls.

A fairly small bird of foothill forest on Waigeo and Batanta islands. Dark blue feet and strange pale blue skin on the top of the head divided by thin, black lines. Male has bottle green chest, red back and yellow on the back of the neck, all or which it can erect into elaborate ornamentation during the display at a court on the ground. Remarkable flattened, curly tail feathers reflect blue. The female is brown above with rufous in the wing and barred below. Unmistakable in range. Male gives a series of loud, downslurred “piuu!” calls, increasing in volume.

Inhabits open areas such as edges and shrubby expanses. Male is streaky brown above and bright pink below with a similarly-colored brow that flares open towards the back. Averages paler and sandier brown on the back than Chinese and Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinches, and has a brighter and more extensive pink rump than either species. Female is brown and streaky and difficult to distinguish from other female rosefinches; look out for extensive and clear streaking all down the underparts, a weak pale brow, and a finely streaked crown. Usually gives sharp ticking and tinking calls.