Variegated Bristle-Tyrant

Small flycatcher of humid tepui forests. Best field marks are grizzled black-and-white face, dark lores, and gray crown. Also note clean grayish-white underparts. Found in forests at middle and higher elevations (above 800 m) on tepui slopes, where it typically occurs in pairs and forages actively for insects, often joining mixed-species flocks. Generally gives only indistinct chip notes while foraging, but may also give an arresting, staccato rattle very unlike other birds in range. Most likely to be confused with the more common Chapman’s Bristle-Tyrant but has conspicuously dark lores and a gray crown and lacks yellow tones on breast and belly.

Small, dark starling with a bright red eye, short tail, and thick bill. Male glossy black with a faintly striated pattern. Female gray overall, slightly paler on the underparts. Found throughout New Caledonia and on the Loyalty Islands, though more common in areas of higher quality habitat. Most common call a surprisingly high-pitched, clear downslurred whistle. Also gives a more rarely-heard quiet babbling song.

Small, uniformly gray swift. With a very good view, pale rump and tiny spines on tail can be seen. Flies rigidly with wings pushed forwards. Seen in flight over and adjacent to all types of forest. On Madagascar, often nests and roosts in cavities of baobab trees. Similar in size and shape to Little Swift, but doesn’t show a bold white band on the rump, and has weaker flight. Similar in size to Malagasy Palm Swift, but has a much shorter square tail. Smaller and shorter-tailed than Madagascar Swift, with much weaker flight.