Purple-throated Cuckooshrike

Strikingly beautiful siskin found in woodland and grassland with scattered trees and usually highly gregarious; also sometimes associates with mixed-species flocks. Males have a black hood, wings, and tail, and are olive-yellow above and bright yellow below with large yellow wing patches. Females are duller and lack the black hood. The song is a long series of fast and squeaky notes; sometimes many males sing together.

A compact raptor endemic to New Zealand, with streaky cream-and-brown breast and reddish-brown undertail. In flight, note rapid beating of long pointed wings, and long rounded tail shape while gliding. Females are much larger than males. Widely distributed throughout New Zealand in native and exotic forest, as well as in tussock grassland and farmland. Will aggressively dive-bomb intruders close to nesting sites. Distinctive “kek-kek-kek” call given during attacks. Similar to Swamp Harrier but smaller; rarely feeds on road kill, actively chases prey, and glides with wings set flat rather than a shallow “V” shape like the Swamp Harrier.

Typical kestrel with a rufous back, white underparts, a barred tail, and a dark “moustache” mark on the face. Endangered and endemic to the island of Mauritius. Originally found in areas of rainforest with cliffs and other rocky areas; now found locally in secondary habitat as well as in remnant natural habitat. Spends much of its time on the wing. Call is a high, repeated “keek.” Shares general falcon shape with migrant Eleanora’s and Sooty Falcons, but smaller, with shorter, less pointed wings.