Prince Henry's Laughingthrush

A large black seabird that holds its wings in a distinctive crook. The long, forked tail may appear pointed when folded. Males are all black with a red throat pouch. Females have a white breast. Immatures have a white head and breast. All-dark plumage of male and lack of a pale “armpit” in female and immature separate this species from Lesser and Christmas Island Frigatebirds. Separation from Magnificent Frigatebird can be difficult; note pale wing panel in males and indistinct pale throat in females (Magnificent females have a clean all-dark head). Nests in trees and bushes on tropical islands. Often seen flying along the shoreline, sometimes very high, and sometimes inland. Chases other seabirds to steal their prey.

While this is a predominantly gray laughingthrush, the black mask, brownish throat, and white patch behind the ear are all more eye-catching. Overall coloration is similar to that of Black-throated Laughingthrush but note pale eyebrow connected to small white ear patch, and that the black mask does not extend down to the upper breast. Highly social; found in medium-sized and large flocks, which give cacophonous laughing calls as they forage in the undergrowth of lowland and foothill broadleaved forests.

Like many other babblers, this is a handsome bird but difficult to see well, as it forages in dense vegetation. Bright rufous above and gray below, with a black throat and bright white brow and circular spot at the base of the bill. Inhabits primary and secondary growth, including wet, swampy areas and weedy plantations from lowlands up into the foothills. Song is a series of rapidfire, resonant-sounding hoots. Calls include an array of loud, insistent chattering and rattling notes.