Grassland Yellow-Finch

Large, spectacular malkoha of moist lowland and mid-hill forest. Unmistakable with bright red face, yellowish bill, white belly and long, white-tipped tail. Found in the dense canopy of tall trees where it feeds on insects and small vertebrates. Normally found in pairs and often associates with mixed flocks usually led by Orange-billed Babblers. It can be hard to see despite its flashy appearance. Usually silent but does soft clucking and a call like static noise.

Large, distinctive corvid, roughly the size of a Eurasian Jay. Note the long and heavy bill, white-flecked face, and black cap. Note white-spotted dark brown back and sides. Short tail, white vent, and white tail markings evident during undulating, woodpecker-like flight. Inhabits coniferous and mixed forests, from lowlands up into high montane forests. Often stores nuts for the winter. Mostly resident but large numbers may irrupt periodically out of the normal range in response to food shortages. Gives a variety of calls, especially during the breeding season, including harsh grating rasps, as well as quieter “mumbling” calls and mimicry. Formerly grouped with Southern Nutcracker under the more generic “Eurasian Nutcracker.”

A tiny flycatcher of forest understory. Generally difficult to see. Notably plain: brown above and yellowish-white below with a semi-concealed chestnut crown that is not visible under most field conditions. Note small size, plain face, and wide bill characteristic of spadebills. Inhabits understory of lowland rainforest, where it perches in low vegetation and makes short upward sallies to nab insects on the undersides of leaves. May follow mixed-species flocks but is more often found away from them. Most frequently heard call is a short, inflected squeak, often given in alarm as the bird flies away; song is a surprisingly loud, grating series of notes. Best told from other spadebills by plain plumage and lack of strong facial pattern.