Gray-rumped Swallow

Tiny hummingbird with a white rump band and rusty tail. Adult male is stunning, with a flowing, glittering green beard ending in white spots, an iridescent green face, and a small crest. Female and young male are much plainer than male, but they typically have a white throat with dark patch in the middle, and lack the buffy or rusty tones on the underparts shown by females of several similar species. Distinguished from female Peacock Coquette by lack of streaking on the throat. Inhabits humid lowland and foothill forest and is quite scarce in most of its range. It was previously considered to be a subspecies of Festive Coquette.

Large drongo with a strongly forked tail. Found in forest, usually in the canopy or on prominent open perches. Often in pairs. Song is an explosive and highly variable mix of whistles, squeals, and rasps. Very similar to Fork-tailed Drongo, but found in forest rather than savanna habitats, the black back is not glossy and contrasts with the glossy wing, and the tail is more deeply forked. Also similar to Shining Drongo, but has a strongly forked tail and less glossy plumage, and is found in the canopy rather than the mid-story.

Male is distinctive, small and largely black with fine white streaks on underparts, a white chest spot, a short white brow, and a pale base to undertail. Female is olive above and buffy below, with a more richly colored throat and a short, bold buffy brow. Immature male resembles female, but has streaked underparts and rufous-edged feathers on upperparts. Singles and pairs inhabit lower understory of lowland forest. Confined to Damar island. Thin, high-pitched calls include “tzit-tzit-tzit.” Gives a short song, “tzeee-tzeeee-tzooo” or “tzeeee-tzoooo,” the first note or two higher in pitch.