Madagascar Spinetail

Rather uneventful-looking flycatcher of tropical lowlands, in both humid and drier situations. Favors forest and woodland edges, and in semiopen areas with taller trees. Perches mainly at mid-levels, when often holds its tail slightly cocked. In Mexico and Central America, can be identified by its pale eyes accentuated by whitish spectacles, a rather broad bill that is pale below, and thin, pale pinkish legs; also note the yellowish edgings to the wing feathers, not forming distinct wingbars. High, lisping call easily passed off as an insect or a begging baby bird. Several similar species occur in South America, best identified by voice.

Distinctive, small flycatcher. Males have a rusty-orange throat that continues onto the breast. All plumages have a distinctive tail pattern with black terminal bar and white sides. Wings relatively plain and white eyering noticeable. When perched, tail is often held cocked with wingtips drooping. Compare with the very similar Taiga Flycatcher; note the more extensive orange throat in breeding male, warmer overall coloration, and more extensive pale pinkish on the bill base. Breeds in mature deciduous mixed forest, winters in forest, woodland and parks. Song is a series of bland and repetitive but sweet whistles, often with a few fuzzy notes as an intro. Often detected by a rattling "zrrrt" call, slower than that of Taiga Flycatcher.

Dark thrush with a bright orange bill. Male is slightly darker than the female. Plumage varies slightly throughout range, Sri Lanka birds being midnight-black and central Indian “Black-capped” birds being brown with a black head and wings. Note the small teardrop-shaped patch of bare orange skin around the eye. Beautiful fluting song often heard from foothill forests, forest edge, and orchards; winters at lower altitudes, often in closer proximity to people, though typically not in outright urban areas like Chinese and Eurasian Blackbirds.