Common Jery

A chunky, thick-billed songbird from the Moluccas. Unmistakable male shows a black head, a yellow collar, a conspicuous white throat, a black chest line, and vibrant yellow underparts. Female is subdued, with a grayish head, a paler throat, and yellow-washed underparts. Juveniles resemble female, but are washed with rufous. Pairs and singles can be found in forest, edge, scrub, and mangroves from lowlands to hills, but are typically most abundant at higher elevations. Female’s yellow wash on the underside separates her from Obi and Drab Whistlers, and olive-toned upperside further differentiates her from Drab Whistler. Calls include a soft “chow-chow-chow,” sometimes terminating in a whipping “chee-wee-CHOW!”

A large, long-tailed, thrushlike bird of dense forests. Note its black necklace, streaked white cheek patch, and pale band near the tip of the tail. Very similar to Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush; note dark eye and ‘contained’ (completely encircled) cheek patch. Shy and difficult to see well. Usually found in small flocks in wet lowland and hill forest, often near streams. Song is a series of loud whistles, not as long or varied as that of Hwamei. Native to East and Southeast Asia; introduced to the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

Rather plain sparrow-like bird. Sexes look alike: overall grayish brown and finely streaked with fairly plain head (narrow whitish eyering is indistinct). Note rather big bill, and fine dark breast streaks that sometimes merge into a dark blotch on the middle of the breast. A grassland species, found in open farmland, steppes, and heathlands. Mostly inconspicuous, but male sings from low perch on bush or fence, giving a unique if not tuneful song: harsh buzzing preceded by quiet knocking notes. Lacks white outer tail feathers shown by most buntings. Calls include various buzzes, as well as a quiet, clipped “tsi.”