Louisiade Pitta

A fairly small bird of montane forest. Blue-gray plumage, with contrasting blackish wings and tail. Perches low down, often on diagonal branches or vertical mossy trunks, flicking its tail and scanning the ground for insects. Very similar to Smoky Robin, but Blue-gray has a distinct bluish tinge to the gray, lacks the paler belly and has more contrasting black wing feathers. Several different vocalizations, including mournful, monotonous whistles, an up-and-down, whistled jumble and a rasp.

The commonest owl from lowland and montane forest and edge. Fairly small, with dark brown back and rich chocolate brown chest. Short, pale eyebrows forming a V-shape. Birds in some areas have broad white streaks on the belly and white flecking on the back. Often catches flying insects from a perched position. Told from the other co-occuring New Guinea Owls by the smaller size and lack of strong streaks or bars. Call a double, downslurred “hooo-hooo!” with a gravely quality, repeated at intervals.

Spectacular large jay, very local and endemic to mountains of northwest Mexico, where mainly occurs in pine-oak forest. Usually found in small groups, roving high to low through the forest, often in association with flocks of the smaller Steller’s Jay. Unmistakable and striking, with stiff bushy crest (tuft), yellow eyes, black-and-white head pattern, and broad white tail tip. Immature has duller face with shorter crest and blue patch below eyes. Varied calls may attract attention.