Socotra Grosbeak

A small, slow-moving species that prefers dry brush and scrublands where it typically feeds low and sometimes even on the ground; sometimes found at higher elevations where it can be found feeding in or near the canopy in vine tangles. The Flat-billed Vireo is a relatively plain species, with bold white wingbars, and whitish eyes. The Greater Antillean Elaenia has a smaller more pointed bill, darker eyes, and is usually found perched upright or flycatching. Flat-billed Vireos sing a “we-we-we-we-we…,” typically in a series of six to ten notes given at a rate of about seven per second, but sometimes given more rapidly at about twelve notes per second. Calls include a staccato ratcheting given by agitated birds.

Rare and declining endemic of Sumatra’s northwestern mountains. Large grayish-brown bulbul with a bright orange forehead patch, dark olive wings, and a weak crest that gives it a pointy-headed profile. Once regarded as a subspecies of the very similar Orange-spotted Bulbul, but note present species’ distribution and dark (not white) belly. Inhabits foothill and lower montane forests, where localized and largely restricted to clearings with a substantial understory. Calls are generally similar to those of Orange-spotted Bulbul, and include a bubbly chatter.

Small, ornate thrush found only on Enggano, off the coast of Sumatra. Inhabits native forest and forest edge, where it tends to forage on the ground in areas with a well-shaded understory. Note dark orange crown and nape, black chest, spotted wings, and white belly. Song is a series of high-pitched whistles, warbles, and chattering notes; like many other Geokichla thrushes, gives a high, thin call note “tseee.” Formerly considered a subspecies of Chestnut-capped Thrush, which is not found on Sumatra.