Daurian Starling

Large ‘woody woodpecker’ of tropical forest in lowlands and foothills. Also ranges into semi-open areas with tall trees, mangroves, and other lightly wooded habitats. The tufted red crest and black face distinguish it from adult Pale-billed Woodpecker, which often occurs in the same areas. Also note that the white ‘braces’ on the back of Lineated are widely spaced, unlike Pale-billed. Laughing call suggests a flicker, and very unlike calls of Pale-billed.

Male is slaty-blue with a white eyebrow, dark face, and orange underparts. Female is matte brown with buffy underparts; females in the Chin Hills have a slate-gray back. Furtive and skulky; male sings from deep cover, giving a series of sharp whistles devolving into a burst of trilling and chattering notes. Prefers dense, damp undergrowth in wet forests, often in proximity to streams and gullies.

Strange-looking bird with predominantly dark plumage, a pale “bib,” and an enormous, deep-set pink bill. Its long body and bulky build makes it seem more like an aberrant roller than a large broadbill. Forages like a roller, frequently making forays from a perch, but much more social, often being encountered in noisy medium-sized groups. Found in forests from lowlands up into the highlands, typically in wetter areas. Gives many different calls, including an ascending series of squeaky notes, as well as mellow single notes and less pleasant-sounding croaks and rattles.