Ferruginous Babbler

Handsome swallow endemic to Tahiti and Moorea. Adult is iridescent blue above and smoky gray below, with an orangish throat and forehead. Could potentially be confused with Tahiti Swiftlet, but note brighter coloration and different body structure. Occasionally seen close to coastal cities, but more frequently encountered in “wilder” native forest habitats. Sometimes perches on telephone lines.

A small brown-black swallow with a short tail and comparatively weak flight. The forehead, crown, and back of the neck are dull chestnut with faint dark streaks. The back is glossy deep blue with a few narrow whitish streaks; the rump is pale brown and is more prominent in flight. The wings and tail are blackish-brown, and the tail almost square-ended. Underparts are buffy white with blackish-brown streaks, especially the chin, throat, and upper breast. Juvenile is duller and browner than adult, with buff feather edges and faint streaks on underparts. Found mostly as individuals in mixed swallow flocks; different, weaker flight action is characteristic. 

A medium-sized yellowish-brown bird with a long tail. Endemic to the island of Moheli in the Comoros. Found in remnant montane forest scraps, as well as locally in secondary habitat down to low elevations. Feeds mainly at middle levels and in the lower part of the canopy. Occurs alongside Madagascar Brush Warbler, but rarely skulks in the undergrowth, and can be further distinguished by its shorter tail and its paler and plainer yellowish coloration, without strong streaking on the breast. The song is a series of scratchy notes and squeaks that is reminiscent of a sunbird, though lower-pitched. The calls are “chek” and “veet” notes often given in a series.