Western Whipbird

A small, gorgeous swallow with blue-black upperparts, rump, and face, and uniform rich rufous chin, throat and underparts. In flight the underwing coverts are rufous. The juvenile is duller than the adult. Singles or pairs are scarce in grassland and savanna, often associated with the edges of swamps, rivers and partially flooded areas. Similar Red-throated Swallow has a reddish rump and is less rufous below than the much more neatly-plumaged Black-and-Rufous Swallow; other similar swallows are larger with longer tails, red rumps and paler underwing coverts.

A large, black ground bird of rainforests from the lowlands to mid-mountains. Red-orange legs stand out against the all black plumage. Bare face and a bushy feathers on top of the head give it a crested appearance. Often hammers seeds with its strong bill. The red-orange legs separate it from any similar-sized birds with which it co-occurs. Much more often heard than seen. Loud raucous call, similar to Red-billed Brushturkey but the second note rises higher.

A dumpy dark brown chat with an upright posture. It flies fast on short round wings, exposing bold white patches in the outer webs of the primary feathers that are diagnostic. Pairs and small groups occupy open grassy country, especially near dense collections of termite mounds. It sits on fences, rocks, or other perches and drops to the ground to pursue ants, termites, and other invertebrates to feed on. The song is a varied collection of whistles, clucks, and grating notes, including imitations of other species, while the call is a characteristic one-note high-pitched plaintive “peek.” No similar chats occur in the same range; the white wing patches of Southern Anteater-Chat are highly distinctive.