Tawitawi Brown-Dove

A large brown babbler of scrubby edges, second growth, and open forest in hilly and montane habitats. Usually in pairs when breeding, but sometimes in larger groups in the winter. Gray-brown from the crown down to the tail, orange on the face, sides, and undertail, and white on the throat, breast, and belly. Lacks strong streaking or spotting. Like other scimitar-babblers, frequently duets, giving far-carrying hooting choruses together. Also gives rolling chattering series typical of the genus. Red-eyed Scimitar-Babbler of Myanmar and northwest Thailand was formerly treated as part of this species; Rusty-cheeked is restricted to the Himalayas.

Male is stunning, with a metallic blue back, a black mask extending down to the shoulder, and a burning flame-orange throat and breast. Female is plain brown and very difficult to distinguish from female Indian Blue Robin (which generally breeds at lower altitudes than Firethroat) and Siberian Blue Robin (which overlaps with Firethroat only on migration); look out for the female Firethroat’s relatively brighter white throat, darker underparts, and lack of scaling on the breast. The species is shy, keeping to the undergrowth, but will emerge into the open to sing; song is repetitive and pleasant, with imitations and deeper notes thrown in. Breeds in dense, low montane vegetation; winters in similar habitat in lower foothills.

A slender, medium-sized dark bird with a long tail. The face, wings, and tail are black, while the underparts and back are reddish-brown. Note the small white patch on the wings. Found in well-wooded habitats, where it forms small groups and mixes with other species in hunting parties. Calls include a variety of metallic sounds, harsh screeches, dry trills, and soft whistles.