Ivory-breasted Pitta

A beautiful minivet inhabiting open, dry scrub and savanna with scattered acacia (Prosopis) growth. The male has a glossy black upper body, face, and neck. The breast region has a round orange patch, with the rest of the underparts white. The tail is black, with an orange rump and white markings on the wings. The plumage of the male of this bird is reminiscent of breeding male stonechats. The female is duller in appearance, with dark gray upperparts, black wings, a black tail, and dark black lores. The wings have white markings similar to the males’, and the rump is orange. The species usually moves in small groups, feeding mainly on insects.

Widespread and common vulture in lowland rainforest. Head may not appear yellow unless seen at close range. Best identified by steady flight with wings held at a slight dihedral. Similar to Turkey Vulture, but has broader wings which it holds flatter and does not teeter from side to side as often. Occurs in rainforest, cities, and agricultural areas.

A small honeyeater with a downcurved bill. Males blackish with a vivid red hood and rump and a paler belly. Females are brown with a paler belly and a noticeable red wash to the throat, forehead, and cheeks. Found singly or in pairs in lowland woodland, forest edge, and gardens, favoring the upper parts of trees. Unmistakable, as there are no other myzomelas in its limited range on Rote island. Vocalizations include a fast-paced sequence of staccato, metallic notes: “zip-zip-zip-zip-zip-zip…”.