Rufous-breasted Flycatcher

Sleek but sturdy gray bird with fierce pale eyes, endemic to the west-central Philippine islands of Mindoro, Libagao, and Tablas. Male is uniform overall, but darker on the tail, wingtips, and between the eye and bill. Female is similar, but has faint barring on the undertail. Inhabits lowland and foothill forest and forest edge, where forages at middle and upper levels, sometimes associating with other species. Calls are scratchy; often gives a doubled, rather high-pitched “whee-wheet!” Formerly treated as part of a more broadly-defined “Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike”.

A beautiful, entirely blue thrush-like bird that can be surprisingly hard to make out in the dark subcanopy of tropical forests as it forages high above the ground. When seen well, it is unmistakable, with its entirely blue body, red eyes, dark face, and black bill. When it is backlit in the trees, look for its distinctive profile perched close to branches with relatively short legs and tail, and its generally unicolored appearance. Occurs in small flocks whose calls consist of hoarse, whiny “tchuwee” and terse “tchup” notes. Song is a piercing “puuuEEEEoooo” or “wheeEEEr” that can be fairly variable in pitch and length.

A sturdy songbird with fairly long tail and substantial bill. Glossy black above, bright white below. Female may show buffy patch on upper breast. Similar to Paperbark Flycatcher; best identified by range. Inhabits open woodland and wetland areas, usually forages near the ground. Compare Willie Wagtail. Calls loudly with a clear whistled "tui-tui-tui” and an incomparable buzzing scissors-grinder sound.