Rote Boobook

A dark, medium-sized francolin with a large patch of red bare skin around the eyes, and a red bill and legs. The blackish feathers of the back, neck, and underparts have pale fringes. An Ethiopian endemic that is found very locally on rocky and scrubby hillsides. A fairly shy francolin that is usually in pairs or small groups. Similar to Clapperton’s Francolin, but much darker overall, with a red rather than mostly black bill. Separated from Erckel’s Francolin by smaller size, darker and duller coloration, and red bill and legs. Calls include a decelerating series of rough “kreeya” notes, and a lower “chuck” call.

Furtive, large, ground-dwelling shorebird endemic to the broadleaf forests of northern Okinawa Island and the Amami Islands. Similar to Eurasian Woodcock but darker overall, with notably longer legs and a thicker bill base. Patch of bare pinkish skin around the eye is diagnostic but absent in winter. Black bands on the top of the head not as thick and conspicuous as in Eurasian, which is a winter visitor. Like other woodcocks, displays both on the ground and in circular aerial displays. Flushes slowly and directly ahead.

Decked out in all the colors of the rainbow, the male is the image of iridescence; green crested head, red neck, green shoulders, blue back, orange tail, and black underparts. When displaying or flushed, flashes a bright white patch on the back. Female is nowhere near as brightly-colored, with a pale blue eye patch, white throat, and streaky brown body. Found in Himalayan hill forest, typically in areas with extensive rhododendron and bamboo-dominated understory.