Tickell's Thrush

A small bird of lowland and montane forest and edge. Unmistakable; the only nuthatch in its range. Blue above with a black edge to the wing, a black forehead, a thin black stripe behind the eye, pale pink underparts, and a yellow bill, eye, and eye-ring. Often joins mixed-species flocks. The only woodpecker similar in size is Philippine Woodpecker, but Sulphur-billed Nuthatch is blue rather than brown. Voice includes high-pitched, descending shrieking calls and sharp staccato chips.

A little-known golden-buff barn-owl from New Britain. Note the dark heart-shaped border to the rich buff face. Underparts golden-buff with bold dark spots. Crown, nape, and upperparts darker, heavily blotched with black markings, buff areas, and white spotting. Inhabits forests both in lowlands and hills, but also recorded from plantations. Barn Owl also occurs, but note Golden Masked-Owl’s significantly darker upperside, golden-buff coloration, and bold spotting underneath. Vocalizations not confirmed, but wheezes, a long rising whistle, and a “ka-ka” have been reported.

Large, boldly marked, and boisterous flycatcher. Rather stocky with large head and short tail. Looks bright and contrasty with yellow belly, black-and-white head pattern, and rufous wings and tail. Common and widespread throughout Middle and South America, with limited range in the U.S. (Texas). Occurs in shrubby woodlands, often near clearings or bodies of water. Listen for loud “kis-ka-dee” calls, which helps separate from similar species like Lesser Kiskadee and Boat-billed Flycatcher.