Dimorphic Jewel-babbler

A rather drab bowerbird of forest edge and cultivation from the lowlands to the mid-mountains. Olive-brown back and wings with pale-edged feathers giving a scaled effect. Yellow belly, streaky throat and face. Makes a unique 4-walled bower. Similar to Fawn-breasted Bowbird, but Yellow-breasted Bowerbird has a yellow rather than buffy belly and an unstreaked crown. Call, a loud, downward “kyew!”.

Adult male distinctive: glossy black overall with bright yellow bill and eyering. Female dark brown overall; slightly paler throat and breast often have faint darker spots and streaks. Juvenile in summer brown overall with pale spots on back, spotted breast; first-year male duller black than adult, with duller yellowish bill. Can be found in wooded habitats, parks, gardens, and farmland with hedges; often feeds in fields and on lawns. Rich caroling song often heard in urban and suburban neighborhoods with trees and hedges. A native of Eurasia and North Africa, introduced to southeastern Australia, New Zealand, and a few surrounding islands.

The male is a striking black-and-gray cicadabird; pitch black below and on the face, leaving a light gray cap and upperside. The tail is also black. The female is mostly powder-gray with diagnostic uniformly dark slate flight feathers and tail. Found in forest at low and moderate elevations on the Solomon Islands. Male is similar to Central Melanesian Cicadabird, but distinguished by its paler upperparts and darker underparts. Most common vocalization is a rasping, upslurred “vvr-reeeoo” or a series of these notes. Also gives a bleating call.