Western Crowned-Pigeon

Local and often rather wary dove of fairly open coastal habitats, such as beach dunes with desert scrub, overgrown fields, town edges. Resembles widespread Mourning Dove of North America, but slightly stockier, with a shorter and squared tail. Feeds on the ground, but most often seen in flight, which is fast and direct, usually rather low over the treetops. Best field mark is the white trailing edge to the inner part of the wing, usually quite distinct in flight.

A poorly known, mid-sized coucal endemic to Biak island. All black plumage, distinctive yellow iris, straightish bill and a fierce-looking face. Found in dense forest and secondary habitat at all levels and devilishly difficult to see. The only coucal species found on Biak. Vaguely similar to Torresian Crown, but Biak Coucal is more skulking with longer tail. Quite vocal and heard far more often than seen. Call, a series of deep, upDslurred “wup!” notes given at varying speeds.

Medium-sized owl with a heart-shaped facial disc and deep dark eyes; in parts of its range the only Tyto owl present, but compare with larger and darker-winged African Grass-Owl where overlap occurs. Varies across a wide range, but always note white-and-black speckling on the upperparts, beautiful gray-and-tawny wings, and large round head. Color of the facial disc and underparts varies from pure white to rusty orange. Hunts in open areas by night, foraging with a slow and buoyant flight. Roosts in old buildings, tree hollows, caves, and nest boxes by day. Gives a bone-chilling, rising shriek, as well as shorter rasping calls.