Grey-backed tailorbird

(Redirected from Gray-backed tailorbird)

The gray-backed tailorbird (Orthotomus derbianus) is a species of bird formerly placed in the "Old World warbler" assemblage, it but now placed in the family Cisticolidae. It is native to the Philippine islands of Palawan, Luzon and Catanduanes.

Grey-backed tailorbird
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Cisticolidae
Genus: Orthotomus
Species:
O. derbianus
Binomial name
Orthotomus derbianus
Moore, F, 1855

Description and taxonomy

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An illustration by Joseph Wolf

Ebrd describes this species as "A small, long-billed, long-tailed bird of dense tangled undergrowth in lowland forest in southern Luzon and neighboring islands. Has olive-green wings, a pale belly, a gray back and rump, a gray chest and throat with streaks, a rufous cap and tail, and orange legs. Very similar to Green-backed Tailorbird, but has a gray back, throat, and lower belly. Voice includes an explosive note followed by a rattling trill: “plik! Brrrrrrrrrr!”[2]

Subspecies

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Two subspecies are recognized:

  • O. d. derbianus - Central and South Luzon
  • O. d. nilesi - Catanduanes

In 1958, a specimen was collected on Palawan and there have been no records on the island since. It is presumed to be a result of some abberant movement or an error. It is presumed to be an insectivore. It forages in the low undergrowth in tangled vines. [3]

Habitat and conservation

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It is endemic to the Philippines, ranging across most of the islands. Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forest and tropical moist montane forest as high as 2,480 meters above sea level.

It is assessed as a Least-concern species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as it is fairly common in its range and tolerant of disturbed habitat.

References

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  1. ^ BirdLife International (2017). "Orthotomus derbianus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T22714994A118737310. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T22714994A118737310.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ^ "Gray-backed Tailorbird - eBird". ebird.org. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
  3. ^ Madge, Steve (2020). "Gray-backed Tailorbird (Orthotomus derbianus), version 1.0". Birds of the World. doi:10.2173/bow.gybtai1.01species_shared.bow.project_name. ISSN 2771-3105.