Slaty Becard

Chicken-sized and oddly proportioned terrestrial bird of tall rainforest that is common where not hunted. Peculiar shape, behavior, and tendency to occur in large groups render this species difficult to mistake for any other. Groups walk through forest, flicking wings nervously while feeding on insects, small vertebrates, and fallen fruit. Often seen crossing roads through forested regions. Can be extremely noisy, especially when startled; bizarre calls include a variety of grunts, wails, and screams.

Beautiful blue-and-white mid-sized vanga. Male is bright blue, with a blue bill and black on the chin and front part of the face. Female duller blue, with a dark bill. Found in dry deciduous forest, rainforest, and gallery forest at low and middle elevations. Usually found in pairs, usually in the canopy, and often in mixed flocks with other bird species. Call is a rasping scold that is repeated incessantly. Blue back separates it from White-headed and Chabert Vangas.

Uncommon wren-babbler of Bornean lowland and foothill forests. Like most other wren-babblers, secretive and difficult to locate as it forages on the ground, usually in small groups. Best detected by its song, which takes two forms. “Short song” is a repetitive series of ten or so clear, hooting whistles, while “long song” can be up to three or four times the length and interspersed with more rising and falling notes. Duetting birds will often add an additional song element, a mellow rolling series of notes along the lines of “dee-dee-dee-da-doo-da-dih-doo.” If seen, note black throat, pale bluish-gray patch behind the eye, black-edged streaking with a “scaly” appearance, and chestnut wings.