LeConte's Thrasher

Noisy, conspicuous, and often a common scavenger in habitats ranging from towns and cities to open forest, farmland, and beaches; ecological counterpart to crows. Often in groups, locally of tens or even hundreds, feeding on the ground or tumbling and sailing with agile flight; often chases and mobs larger raptors. Plumage brownish overall, often with gingery tones, and with variable paler dappling above and fine barring below. Bold creamy white wing panels and tail base striking in flight.

Chunky babbler of the forest floor and understory in Sumatra’s highlands. Mostly dark brown, with a white throat, dark scaling on the upperparts, and the namesake rust-colored breast. Forages in pairs or small groups. Often duets loudly, with one bird giving a vibrant and repetitive up-and-down song, and another giving a continuous “pee-peet, pee-peet.” Also gives a clear, whistled “hoohoohoohoooo.”

Very pretty small finch-like bird with red bill, red eyes, and distinctly barred flanks. Sexes are similar, but males have brighter greens and yellows than females. Juveniles are brown above, pale with some yellow below, but have the red bill. Very rare and local. Known to occur in flocks in dry areas with open woodland, scrub, and agriculture.