White-hooded Babbler

A graceful, uniquely shaped raptor with long, narrow wings and deeply forked tail. Black-and-white with shining blue-gray upperwing. Usually seen in flight as it soars and glides while twisting its tail. Wingbeats are deep, fluid flaps. Found over a variety of wooded habitats with a preference for wetter habitats around rivers and ponds. Feeds mainly on insects captured on the wing.

Subtly patterned sphere of a bird; the only hill partridge (genus Arborophila) on Taiwan, where endemic. Black-and-white facial pattern is diagnostic, unlikely to be confused with any other native bird. Female’s facial markings slightly weaker than male’s. Forages on the ground in small groups. Inhabits broadleaf and mixed forests in hills and mountains, where it forages quietly in the leaf litter. Gives loud, echoing tremulous songs, usually early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Generally shy but approachable where habituated at feeders.

A very small parrot of lowland and foothill wooded areas. Overall green in color with a red forehead and rump, an orange bill, orange legs, and a small orange patch on the back of the head. Male has variable amounts of orange or red on the crown and a large orange chest patch, whereas the female has a bluish face. Note the long, pointed upper bill. Similar in length to Guaiabero, but longer-tailed and smaller-bodied. Voice includes a pulsing series of three or more notes: “tsik-tsik-tsik!”