Malabar Woodshrike

Distinctive, large white wading bird with a spatula for a bill. Adult has short crest, yellowish breast patch. First year has paler bill, with fine black wingtips visible in flight. Sleeping birds have horizontal posture and bulging neck, vs. more vertical stance of egrets. Found in wetlands with shallow water (including tidal flats), where feeds by sweeping its bill side-to-side for crustaceans and small fish. May be confused with egrets when sleeping, but note stockier, more thickset overall appearance.

A small flycatcher-like bird with a bold dark eye on a plain face, a pale eye-ring, olive-green upperparts, and solid yellow underparts. Singles or pairs sit upright within understory of forest, woodland, and plantations in lowlands and mountains, often attending mixed-species flocks. Separated from Gray-headed Canary-Flycatcher by yellow chin and lack of gray head and breast. Told from Yellow-bellied Whistler by eye-ring, absence of white throat, and slimmer bill. Gives a simple high-pitched whistled song that rises and falls: “swit-soo-swit-soo.” Also gives a short, squelching “ti-rip” trill.

Colorful and easily recognizable, this attractive bulbul has a bright lemon-yellow belly, snow-white throat, bluish-gray head, and greenish upperparts. Lack of a crest distinguishes it from other similarly-colored bulbuls within its range. Found in lowland and hill forest, often in mixed flocks. Calls are coarse and dry-sounding.