Gray-headed Piprites

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 striking black-and-white songbird with diagnostic bold white markings on the black face and a broad white panel in the black wings. Outer tail feathers white, and underparts white except for black throat. Female shows more extensive white facial markings and a rose flush to breast. Singles or pairs can be found high in forests of the lowlands and foothills, regularly joining mixed-species flocks. Unique within range in Tanimbar Islands. Song is a stuttering, rising “w’w’witcheuwit.” Also gives a shorter “witcheu” and characteristic monarch rasping calls, “grrrt-grrrt.”

Large sandy-colored raptor. In flight it has a strong underwing pattern, and holds its wings in a bent M-shape. Tail is relatively long and slightly rounded. Calls loudly with a distinctive repeated whistle. Common along coasts and waterways where it scavenges for fish.