Sulawesi Cuckoo

A dull and poorly marked prinia with a strong bill and a long, graduated tail. Light brown above with faint dark streaking. Pale below, sometimes with some dark smudging along the sides of the breast. In breeding plumage, develops a rufous wash on the underparts. Found at moderate elevations in open dry forest, shrubby areas, and forest or agricultural edges. Can be retiring and difficult to see in dense vegetation. Sings two different song types: a dry rolling trill and a repeated two-syllabled “tulip.” Separated from other prinias by its plainness and lack of contrasting head markings.

A large canopy honeyguide that is far more often heard than seen, although it does sometimes descend lower, almost to ground level. When seen, its greenish upperparts contrast with its pale olive underparts to give it a two-toned appearance. Belly is pale with flank streaking, and the distinctive tail has white edges and feathers that curve outward, giving it a lyre shape that is most noticeable in the males. Males perform aerial displays high overhead in which they quickly open their wings and tails to create a two-parted sound like a bow on a string that gradually grows louder, “huhwa, huh-wa, HUH-WA.” Despite its distinctive displays, the bird can be frustratingly difficult to locate and see.

A small, dark songster of montane forest floor and undergrowth. Note dark brown body with a fairly bold white eyebrow. Unlike most shortwings, there is little difference between male and female plumages, though eyebrow may be less conspicuous on females. Furtive and difficult to see well; forages on the ground of various types of forest, including bamboo, fern, and mossy forest. Song a short phrase starting with a high-pitched clear whistle, followed by a jumbled slightly flutey note. Call a relatively low, knocking wooden rattle.