Forbes's Forest Rail

Large brown songbird with long tail and long, strong legs. Males grayish with brown-edged feathers above, and very dark gray belly, breast, and face in breeding plumage. Female smaller, similar to nonbreeding male. Distinctive display flight: male climbs high in the air, then parachutes down with wings held up at an angle and with legs dangling. Found across much of Australia, less common in the southeast in drier agricultural and open grassland areas. Perches on fence posts. Distinctive song a scratchy five-note phrase.

A massive black-and-white megapode with a rose-pink breast and a diagnostic prominent knob on the nape. Found in lowland and hill forest, in areas near beaches or areas with volcanic sands in which they lay their eggs. Immatures show a blacker head with a white throat and a tufted crest. Occurs in pairs that forage on the ground and roost in trees by night. Often best seen at known egg-laying sites, either during laying sessions, or roosting in trees nearby. Generally silent, but occasionally gives a loud, bubbling “waow.”

Tiny bird with a strong bill and short tail. Males are glossy blue-black on the head, back, and throat with a bright yellow forehead and belly, and a white undertail. Females are olive-green above with either a yellowish or white belly flanked by yellow depending on region. Found commonly in a variety of habitats from humid forests to mangroves and from agricultural areas to gardens. Often accompanies mixed-species flocks. The most frequently heard vocalization is the “teee-deee” call.