African Dwarf Kingfisher

A very distinctive large, long-tailed pigeon from the island of Seram. Shows a pale gray crown and neck, an extensive reddish bare skin mask around the eye, a yellow-orange bill with a red base, a pale pinkish throat and chest, and a burgundy belly. Upperparts light gray with a subtle greenish cast. Singles and pairs occur in forested foothills, typically at subcanopy and canopy level; groups gather in fruiting trees. No similar species occurs on Seram. The call of this recently-described species is currently unknown.

A large, chunky sparrow with a bright rufous rump and different-looking males and females. The male has a grayish crown with a rufous crescent around the ears and a white patch between the top of the eye and the base of the bill. The female has a paler washed-out head. Pairs and small groups are loyal to arid thorn scrub, avoiding human-altered habitats. The smaller House Sparrow is most easily told from the Great Rufous Sparrow by having a gray (not rufous) rump.

Large, chunky brown francolin with a red bill and bare red skin around the eye. Found in montane forest, forest edge, and bamboo. Often in pairs. Reclusive, but will emerge onto roads and paths, especially early and late in the day. The call alternates lower “kroo” notes with higher “kreek” notes. Also gives simpler raspy single notes and series. Similar to Scaly Francolin, but larger and richer brown, with red bare skin around the eye.