Comoro Green-Pigeon

Seldom-seen pale gray falcon of inland Australia found in arid grassland and woodland habitats, where it sometimes perches high on communication towers. Pale gray upperparts and white underparts, with faint dark streaks below. Legs fully feathered (unlike the long, bare legs of Brown Falcon). In flight, outer upperwing (“hand”) is noticeably darker than the inner wing and back. Wings not as pointed as hobby or Peregrine Falcon. Pale inland Brown Falcons are often misidentified as this species: note that Gray Falcon is unlikely to be seen perched in low bushes or feeding from the ground.

The breeding male is buff, chestnut, and black with a 21-centimeter tail that is laterally flattened with both short bulging feathers and long, tapering dagger-like feathers. The female and non-breeding male have a strongly contrasting black-and-white head, including a characteristic dark bill and a double “C” pattern under the ear. The males aggressively hold territories, but small groups forage together in dry and moist savanna. After breeding, they flock with other seedeaters. This whydah gives dry chip calls and imitates the calls of the Green-winged Pytilia, which it parasitizes. The Broad-tailed Paradise-Whydah differs from the Eastern Paradise-Whydah as follows: the breeding male has a shorter broader tail; the non-breeding male and female have a paler bill and a plainer facial pattern.

Small, plain-breasted thrush of highland forests, especially humid pine-oak. Feeds mainly on the ground, but also in fruiting bushes and trees. Sings from low to middle level perches, usually well hidden. More skulking than very similar Russet Nightingale-Thrush, but can be seen early and late in the day, hopping along the sides of quiet roads and paths. Slightly darker overall than Russet, with wholly pale orange underside of bill and plainer gray breast. Song distinctive: repeated fluty phrases, richer than Russet's song. Also compare with similar Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush.