Principe Thrush

A poorly known, mid-sized coucal endemic to Biak island. All black plumage, distinctive yellow iris, straightish bill and a fierce-looking face. Found in dense forest and secondary habitat at all levels and devilishly difficult to see. The only coucal species found on Biak. Vaguely similar to Torresian Crown, but Biak Coucal is more skulking with longer tail. Quite vocal and heard far more often than seen. Call, a series of deep, upDslurred “wup!” notes given at varying speeds.

A striking black-and-white flycatcher-like songbird confined to Tanahjampea Island. Black above, with a black hood and upper chest and a crisp white lower breast, belly, rump, and tips to outer tail feathers. Black areas are brown in juvenile, which has a buff belly and rump. Cocks tail regularly. Found singly or in pairs in forest, mangrove, and scrub in lowlands and foothills. Often joins mixed-species flocks. Unique within its tiny range. Song is a mournful, repeated whistle, “weeoo-weeoo...”. Also gives a rasping, agitated “grrr” and metallic, grating “weer” calls.

Medium-sized bird; heard far more than seen. All-white male is unmistakable; mostly green female is best identified by chunky proportions and long, sloping head profile. Found in tall forest, principally at higher elevations; common in the tepui region. Feeds at fruiting trees but is more often seen from high vantage points or flying across gaps. Males sing from bare snags above the canopy and are often not visible from below. Song is only vaguely bell-like, amazingly loud and reverberating; younger males may give a cracked or truncated version.