Sunda Brush Cuckoo

A small bird with a long blue tail that is held cocked. Breeding males are almost entirely blue with a strong black line from the bill through the eyes and around the back of the head, a black chest band, and a black rump. Nonbreeding males are fairly plain grayish-brown birds with black bills, bright blue tails, and some blue in the folded wing. Females are tan above with a duller blue tail and a reddish bill. Note that the patch between the eye and bill (lores) on females is a fraction paler than the bill (in Purple-backed Fairywren the lores are much darker than the bill). This species is fairly common in arid inland Australia, as well as in southwest Western Australia.

A common, medium-sized honeyeater of all wooded habitats in the lowlands and foothills. Olive plumage, a little paler on the underparts with no mottling. Large and elongated, yellow ear spot. ID problematic as it co-occurs with many other similar species. Mountain and Graceful are smaller, Puff-backed has a thicker bill, Yellow-gaped has a more prominent yellow gape. Calls include a trill, a whistle and a “chup!”.

Small finch of open country, from wild moorland to rough grassland and weedy patches in urban areas. Like other finches, often forms flocks in autumn and winter; does not usually visit garden feeders. Generally looks small and rather dull, unless male is seen well, when reddish breast, gray head, and rusty-brown back are a distinctive combination. Drab female best identified by face pattern: broad pale crescents above and below eyes, and pale cheek patch. Listen for musical twittering song and dry tittering calls, often given in flight.