Subject: Rufous-capped Babbler vs Common Tailorbird [Print This Page] Author: samchang Time: 23/09/2012 08:52 Subject: Rufous-capped Babbler vs Common Tailorbird
Hi, can anyone teach me how to differentiate them? I bet I have seen both in TPK in the past month, but I don't know how to be certain. Is the color of the throat the most significant, or really the length of beak and tail (which seems difficult to say what is long/short). Pls advise. Thanks! Author: puppymic Time: 23/09/2012 22:00
I think it would be easier to see the different when comparing two pictures together. Common Tailorbird has a longer tail and greenish back
Mandy, thanks! It seems the color of the face and neck is different as well. Can I say that Common Tailorbird is generally white on face and neck with black marks, while Babbler is more brown-liked? Author: puppymic Time: 24/09/2012 08:55
You are right
A better photo of rufous-capped babbler from another HKBWS member
Behaviour and calls of the two species are completely different as well.
The babbler is usually in a flock, often with other species, and usually gives a distinctive five-note call. They tend to stay at about head-height. Tailorbirds are not always in flocks (but sometimes join flocks of other species) and give a variety of different calls. They can be anywhere from ground-level to the tree canopy. Author: samchang Time: 25/09/2012 22:19
Thanks John and Mandy!
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