Aldabra White-eye

A distinctive, richly colored babbler-like skulker with a rufous spotted breast on otherwise whitish underparts. Geographically upperparts vary from rusty to olivaceous. Immature has a paler bill and rustier upperparts than the adult. Pairs are secretive residents in thickets, riparian forest, and dense woodland, especially near streams, foraging close to the ground. Populations are locally common but scattered widely across Africa. Often first detected by its rich melodious song, a fluid oriole-like “whoh-tyaw-li”, with the female sometimes joining in duet.

Large pigeon endemic to New Zealand with distinctive blue-green iridescent plumage, white belly, and red eye. Makes conspicuous display flights in breeding season; often seen feeding on heavily fruiting trees or fresh leaves and flower buds in spring. Widespread where food is available. Only emits soft “oo” calls, but note distinctive wingbeat sound, especially when alighting or taking off. Chatham Island Pigeon, the only similar species, is larger and confined to Chatham Islands.

Small, spunky wren with boldly patterned plumage. Look for dark cap, bright white eyebrow, and black-and-white stripes on back. Compared with similar Sedge Wren, Marsh is overall darker and more contrasty; especially note the solid brown shoulder patch and unstreaked crown. Habitat is also a good clue for identifying this wren: rarely strays far from water, especially extensive cattail marshes and rushes. Migrants are occasionally seen in wet weedy fields. Often difficult to see well as it skulks through reeds, but often perches conspicuously when singing. Variable song usually a gurgling trill with some introductory notes.