Javan Black-capped Babbler

A common patroller above reedbeds, flying with wings raised in a shallow V-shape. Adult males are predominantly pale gray with a dark-speckled head, blackish back with pale-edged feathers, and black wingtips. Adult females are brown and streaky and lack the bold white rump patch of the similar female Hen Harrier. Juveniles are brown with paler heads and breasts. Extremely similar to Western Marsh-Harrier, but range overlap is minimal.

Breeding males are spectacular birds with a mix of black and orange-red plumage. Males’ wings are glossy black and unusually broad, conspicuous in flight. Females and non-breeding males are brown and streaky. Found in many open habitats, including woodland, cultivation, moist grassland, marshes, and forest clearings. The song is long and rattling, with some “radio static” notes mixed in. Males often give this song in a display flight. Breeding males identified by combination of orange-red crown and breast. Non-breeding males still easily recognized by their black wing. Female similar to other bishops, but larger.

A small, sharp-billed warbler-like bird. Note the yellow patches on the throat and undertail and the bold white spectacles around the eye. Common on the island of Anjouan in the Comoros in habitats with woody vegetation, including remnant forest patches, plantations, woodland, scrub, and gardens. Usually found in hyperactive flocks. In its small range, easily identified by the white spectacles. The most common calls are a high-pitched, rising rattle and a descending “chew” note, which is also the main component of the quiet, chatty song.