Kiritimati Reed Warbler

Small, stocky owl with large head and no neck. Pointed ear tufts are often raised. Varies in color from gray to bright rufous (reddish-brown). Intricate pattern is perfect for camouflage against tree bark. Yellow eyes. Active at night when they prey on small birds and mammals. More often heard than seen; listen for its descending whinny and longer trill. Roosts and nests in cavities, including nest boxes. Found in a variety of habitats with trees, particularly near water.

Small, often rather active little bird of shady forest understory in humid tropical lowlands; often in areas with understory palms. Usually in pairs at middle levels moving with mixed-species flocks that often include Golden-crowned Warbler and Red-crowned Ant-Tanager. Rather drab brownish overall with tawny bushy crest, paler gray face and throat, and piercing pale eye (can be hard to see in the shade). Often gives a twangy, nasal “dwoi-dwoi-dwoi” call and a high, insectlike, whining whistle.

A large brown thrush with a yellow-tipped dark bill and scaly underparts. The juvenile is flecked buffy above. The only thrush on São Tomé, where it is a common resident in any environment with trees. Song is a musical, rich, varied whistled medley, “wee-eet wheeeoo, cheee chirrit,” that rolls up and down and is mostly given at dawn and dusk.