Sri Lanka Whistling-Thrush

A striking medium-sized bird of lowland and foothill forest floor or dense undergrowth on Palawan and Balabac. Often found near streams and gullies. Has a blackish body with long white streaks and contrasting rufous wings and tail blending to a blackish tip. Appears hooded, with orange from the crown to the back of the neck, a bright white throat with a fine black moustache stripe, and a black mask. Unmistakable in range. Voice includes slightly rising or falling long, alternating whistles, “puuuuui! piuuuuu!” or a quicker, repeated phrase, “chooit chi-peeet!”

This striking cloud forest bird is only found in the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama. It is easily recognized by its buffy throat and neck. These feathers can be flared out when the bird is excited. Other plumage features include dark wings with buffy bars, mottled underparts, and cinnamon tail. Probes epiphytes or clumps of moss high up in large trees, and often accompanies mixed species flocks. Song is an energetic, decelerating series of notes often intermixed with squeaks; also gives sharp, metallic chips.

Immense and imposing owl of dense wet lowland and hill forests. Silver-gray adult is majestic, with a large yellow bill, black eyes, and sweeping sidewards-facing “horns.” Juvenile is much paler, almost white, with shorter tufts. Gives deep echoing hoots. Primarily nocturnal, but will on occasion hunt by day; takes prey as large as small deer.