Bronze-green Euphonia

A huge raptor of lowland and montane forest. Note long legs, pale belly, dark back and hint of a crest at the back of the head. Doesn’t soar but rather scans for prey from a branch. Superficially similar when perched to Long-tailed Honey-buzzard and Doria’s Goshawk, but New Guinea Eagle is much larger, with a thicker bill and less streaky on the chest. More often heard than seen. Call, a short, far-carrying, nasal “gak!” or low “Boop!”.

Chunky rail-like bird with rich rufous coloration. Found on the floor of dry forest in and adjacent to the limestone karst “tsingy” of Bemaraha and Beanka. Usually in pairs or small groups. Very shy, and looks almost like a mammal when scurrying away from disturbance. Most common call is a long, ringing series of “tyeow” notes. Also gives deep grunts. Within its small range, only likely to be confused with White-throated Rail, but smaller, with a shorter bill and a much smaller white throat patch.

Although not actually pale, this brownish songbird is one of the plainer thrushes in its range. Found in areas of open woodland and scrubland; less tied to extensive forests than other thrushes, particularly in the winter, when it may often be found near reedbeds and in thickets. Sexes similar, both earthen-brown above, paler below, with grayish head, but male has darker ash-gray face, female a dingy white throat. White tail corners obvious in flight.