Gray-chested Babbler

A dull and poorly marked prinia with a strong bill and a long, graduated tail. Light brown above with faint dark streaking. Pale below, sometimes with some dark smudging along the sides of the breast. In some areas, breeding males become darker on the face and the bill becomes black. Found at low and moderate elevations in open dry forest, shrubby grasslands, and forest or agricultural edges. Can be retiring and difficult to see in dense vegetation. Sings two different song types: a dry rolling trill and a repeated two-syllabled “tulip.” Separated from most other prinias by its plainness and lack of contrasting head markings. Most similar to Himalayan Prinia, but there is little or no overlap in range, and Burmese Prinia is distinguished by having less streaking overall, especially along the sides of the breast.

Small and stout forest-dweller that hops and buzzes about in the canopy like a large, active insect. Note male’s iridescent dark blue back, red chest patch, and black line extending partway down the white belly. As with many other flowerpeckers, the female is considerably duller, with a red rump patch being the only patch of bright color on her otherwise gray-brown plumage. Endemic to Timor, where found in montane and foothill forests. Song is a brief, high-pitched and silvery burst of whistled notes: “tsee’di-lee’see.”

Tiny, inconspicuous flycatcher; in addition to small size, note stubby bill, wing bars, and longish tail. Found in a variety of forest habitats including primary and secondary rainforest, low-stature forests with sandy soils, and along river edges. Often sits on leaf clusters at the ends of branches, sallying for insects; also feeds on fruit. Heard far more than seen. Most common call is a dry, two-noted hiccup that is easily overlooked; dawn song is a repeated, rising twitter.