Grand Cayman Bullfinch

A large, long-winged buzzard which may recall a small eagle in size. Variable plumage with three color morphs. All have obvious dark carpal patches at the wrist of the wing. Juveniles lack the adult’s prominent black trailing edge to the wings. Often hunts from a prominent perch, or sits on the ground and scans for prey. A species of open steppe and desert country, sometimes in more wooded areas but always near big open spaces. Compare with similar Common and Upland Buzzards, as well as Rough-legged Hawk; note long-winged structure, size, and wings held in “V” in soaring flight.

An odd, thrush-like warbler; extremely shy and seldom seen as it lurks about in dense undergrowth. The largest grasshopper-warbler, with a distinctly robust appearance. Matte brown with pale brow, throat, and belly. Complete lack of streaking distinguishes this species from Middendorff’s and Pallas’s grasshopper-warblers; white throat and pale brow distinguish Gray’s from the much browner Pleske’s Warbler. Slightly warmer-colored Sakhalin Grasshopper-Warbler is extremely similar but has a whiter throat, a thicker brow, and more extensive brown on the underside.

A large, blackish, crow-like bird-of-paradise, endemic to Obi and Bisa. Body is entirely blackish with paler, browner wings. Also often shows a thin line behind the eye. Shape is distinctive, with thin neck and small head with distinctive brow ridges. Juveniles are browner overall. Singles and pairs occupy canopy in forest, forest edge, and plantations in lowlands and hills. Brown cast to wings and head shape differentiate it from crows. In flight shows broad wings and an awkward, clumsy, hurried flight, unlike the slow flapping of crows. Calls include a trumpet-like “nyek”, an alien-sounding “nwoop”, as well as harsher rasping notes.