Chestnut-cheeked Starling

Strikingly patterned raptor, usually found in open grassy areas or agricultural fields with scattered bushes. Wings are long and pointed but broad at the base which makes the tail look relatively short. Adults are clean white below with gray upperparts and rufous patch on shoulder. Tail is white with black band near the tip. Young birds are darker with dark markings on the belly; especially note dark gray wings, pale grayish-brown tail, and wing shape. Hovers more frequently than other large raptors. Widespread in Central and South America; limited range in U.S.

A small, noisy songbird endemic to New Zealand, found on the South and Stewart Islands. Favors myriad forest types. Note brown upperparts with an ashy-gray face and neck, and pale creamy-brown underparts. Often located first by its harsh chattering contact calls and canary-like song. Forms fast-moving flocks in the canopy that will come down to investigate “squeaking.” Associates with other species such as Silvereye and Gray Gerygone in the non-breeding season, forming noisy, continuously chattering flocks. Pipipi is the main host of the parasitic Long-tailed Koel, and so adults can be encountered feeding a much larger Koel chick. Distinguished from Dunnock by lighter underparts; does not feed on the ground. Look for sharp contrast between gray face and lighter underparts and larger size to distinguish from Gray Gerygone.

The only trogon in its range with orange-yellow underparts in both males and females. Male has a cinnamon-brown back and a yellow-green head. Female has a duller brown back and less extensive yellow on the underparts. Inhabits mature lowland and foothill forests, where it frequents the lower and middle levels. Gives a toneless series of three to four hooting notes.