Shama thrush (Copsychus malabaricus indicus)
Where found: Forest undergrowth of southeastern Asia, namely the low hills of India and Borneo. They especially prefer bamboo forests. These birds have also successfully been introduced to Hawaii. At the CPZ, these birds may fly anywhere, but they tend to prefer undergrowth- so keep an eye out.
Diet: Insects. These birds are crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk).
Length: Approximately 10 inches.
Description: Males have a glossy black head and back with a distinct white rump. Females have a gray head and back, with paler under parts and a white rump. Their tails are shorter than the males.

Speckled mousebird (Colius striatus)
Where found: Africa, south of the Sahara. At the Central Park Zoo, these amazing birds may generally be found perched among the branches inside the Tropic building on the left-hand side, past the entrance and near the tortoises.
Diet: Berries, fruits, and buds. At the CPZ, these birds are fed avian pellets and bird salad.
Length: Up to 12—14 inches. However, most of the length is because of an 8- to 10-inch long tail.
Description: These are slender grayish or brown birds with soft, hair-like body feathers and very long thin tails, which can reach up to 10 inches long. They are not strong fliers with their short, rounded wings, and prefer to climb and scurry among the branches of trees. With their hooked claws they can even eat upside down like bats.

Page rating: 5.00