Rock Pratincole

A striking little bird, shaped like a robust gnatcatcher. Note the bold black-and-buff head pattern, black chest fading to rufous flanks, and bright rufous on the wings. Tail is long and narrow. Unmistakable if seen well, but compare with Marañon Crescentchest, which has silvery wing edges and more richly-colored underparts. Secretive; singles or pairs skulk in dense thickets and understory of dry woodland and second growth, up to 2,300 m. More often detected by song; listen for a series of loud, popping chip notes.

Remarkable odd-looking diving duck with a long tail, often held cocked. Males have a striking white face and black crown that contrasts with their large blue bill and chestnut body. Female and juveniles have a darker brown bill, more extensive dark crown and pale cheek stripe, similar to Ruddy Ducks. Silent and rarely flies. Rare and local. Usually found in shallow, open water with dense aquatic plants.

A medium-sized, long-tailed bird of lowland and foothill forest. Male has a black head, upperparts and chest, a single white wingbar, a white belly, pale orange sides, and white outer tail feathers. The female has a gray chest and face with a brown cheek, crown, back, and wings. Somewhat similar to Philippine Magpie-Robin, but White-browed Shama has a long white eyebrow and a rufous rump. Heard more often than seen. Song is a pleasant and varied whistled melody, often finishing in a low, descending warbling trill.