Tagula Honeyeater

A finch-billed Hawaiian honeycreeper endemic to the island of Nihoa; does not occur on the main Hawaiian Islands. Unlikely to be confused with any other species; the only other passerine bird on Nihoa is the Millerbird, which lacks the Nihoa Finch’s heavy bill. Males have a bright yellow head and breast. Females are paler yellow and heavily streaked on the back. Common throughout the island.

An odd, long-tailed, slender-billed bird. Adults have a black bill, red legs, and blue or purple gloss when seen in good light. Found in dry country, often in fairly lush woodland along rivers. Always in groups, normally of 4-10 members. Similar to Green and Violet Woodhoopoes, but there is little overlap in range, and adults are separated by their black rather than orange bills. Immatures can be confusing, but are normally seen with adults. Also similar to Black Scimitarbill, but much larger, with a longer, floppier, and more triangular tail. The distinctive song starts with a rattling series, then builds into a maniacal cackling, given by a whole group in chorus. 

Unmistakable magpie with a black cap, sandy-brown body, white throat, blue wings, and long blue tail. Highly gregarious, gathers in noisy family flocks giving repetitive “krrr-krrr” calls interspersed with rattles. Usually found in open woodlands with grassy clearings, including orchards and olive groves, but prefers oak woodlands.