Green Manakin

A medium-sized dove of lowland secondary forest on Tawi-Tawi Island, where it is the only brown-dove. Dark brown above with a gray head, purplish iridescence on the back of the neck, rufous-brown underparts from the throat to the belly, white under the base of the tail, and a pale gray tail tip. Does not resemble any other similarly sized doves in its range. Sings an accelerating series on the same pitch, ending in a trill, “dup-dup-dup-du-du-d-d-drrrrr,” reminiscent of a ping-pong ball falling on a table.

A small, pale plover endemic to New Zealand. Gray above, white below. Note distinctive black bill with tip curving to the right, unique to this species, used to forage under stones for invertebrates. Breeding birds have a clear black band across their chest, thinner in females and varying from absent to distinct in non-breeding or juvenile birds. Breeds only along the braided rivers of Canterbury and Otago. The majority of the population migrates north to winter in large flocks in the harbors and estuaries of the northern North Island, particularly the Firth of Thames and Manukau Harbour. Commonly heard giving a “chip” call.

Restless tanager found in the undergrowth of forests and second growth; usually accompanies mixed-species flocks. Males have a black mask and a yellow crown stripe. Males also have an olive-gray head and back and are buff below with dark wings and tail. Females lack the yellow crown and mask and are generally more cinnamon below.