Crested Malimbe

A chunky green inhabitant of wet forests; typically found in pairs or small flocks in or near the canopy. Note this species’ nearly all green plumage, black bill, black eye, and black eyering. The somewhat similar Yellow-billed Parrot is distinguished from Black-billed Parrot by its rose-colored throat, yellow bill, and pale eyering. When the two species are together, the larger size of the Yellow-billed is evident. The characteristics noted above also separate this species from other parrots that might have escaped from captivity. Calls include a harsh “mwah,” a scratchy “uh-lee,” and “uh-luh,” with the latter often given rapidly and while flying.

Male very similar in appearance to Daurian Redstart; note more restricted silver on the forehead and less distinct wing panel. Female’s lack of a white wing patch distinguishes her from female Daurian, and she averages paler than female Black Redstart, with a brighter eye-ring. Blue-fronted Redstart female can be similar; Hodgson’s female is colder-toned with a single dark stripe down the tail instead of Blue-fronted’s inverted “T.” Hodgson’s breeds in hilly and montane open forests and forest edge; descends in the winter, favoring scrubby edge.

Adult female is an all glossy black forest weaver; adult male is similar but with a red oval patch on the crown that is not always easily seen. Juvenile is matte black with a chestnut crown. Scarce and patchily distributed, preferring the canopy of tall primary and secondary lowland and swamp forest. Often found in pairs. Vocalizations include a complex medley of weaver-like chittering “che-chur-chet” and electrical buzzing “dzrrrrrrr” and high-pitched downslurred “teooot-teoot” notes. Female cannot be safely separated from Black-throated Malimbe unless male is present.