Tanimbar Eclectus

Widespread and beautiful, this jewel of a bird bounces about on the shaded forest floor like a luminous ball, where it can be surprisingly difficult to spot. If seen, note emerald-green body, black head, ruby-red lower belly, and powder-blue wing patch. Birds from the Himalayas east to much of mainland Southeast Asia have a warm brown crown stripe; these birds are migratory, and may turn up in unexpected places, such as city parks. Listen for loud, barking song in a range of wooded habitats, from deep forest to plantations. Formerly grouped together with several other closely related species as “Hooded Pitta.”

A small, energetic flycatcher found in humid forest; most common along lower slopes of mountains, and also ranges into lowlands in some areas. Note its olive-green coloration, streaky underparts, and pale spot behind the eye. Overlaps with the very similar Streak-necked Flycatcher at middle elevations of the Andes. Olive-striped typically has a much greener head, lacking strong gray coloration on the forehead face, and throat, though it may show a gray tinge on its crown. Plucks berries from fruiting trees while hovering like a hummingbird and often seen with mixed species flocks. Song is an extremely high-pitched and often hard to discern series of whistles; the exact pattern of notes varies significantly throughout its range. Birds from Costa Rica and far western Panama are now considered a separate species, Olive-streaked Flycatcher.

A medium-sized wading bird, mostly black with a red bill and legs. Relatively long tail projection imparts a long-bodied appearance which is enhanced by its short legs. At close range, note bare red throat and orbital skin. Occurs in open wetlands and seasonally flooded savannas, usually in pairs or small groups, probing in mud, shallow water, or soft ground for invertebrates and fish. Unusual, far-carrying call is a single, horn-like note, often given in duet by pairs, with one higher-pitched than the other; the overall effect is like the braying of a donkey. Larger and longer-tailed than Bare-faced Ibis, much more vocal, and does not occur in large groups.