Dusky Lory

Subtly beautiful wren found in picturesque canyonlands and rocky outcroppings of the western U.S. and Mexico. Exceptional songster most often located by rich cascading song, or harsh call notes. Rich orangey-brown body with tiny black-and-white spots, bright white throat, and thin decurved bill. Most similar to Rock Wren; note more contrasting white throat. Almost always on the ground or cliffs, running up and down rocks, repeatedly disappearing from view only to suddenly pop up atop a lookout. Feeds on insects. Nests in crevice or under ledge on cliff.

A large bird of lowland forests on the northwest islands. Both sexes have yellow bill, chest and back of the head. Male has 2 long black tail streamers, chestnut wings and red plumes which he spreads in his display. Face is bottle green in males and black in females. Doesn’t overlap with any other similar birds-of-paradise. Male gives an often repeated, nasal “caw!”.

Big, dark pigeon with black-and-white slashes on the back of the head. The feet, bill, and eye-ring are bright yellow, but the bird looks plain in flight. Found on the Comoro Islands in the canopy of moist forest, secondary habitat, and plantations. Most common at higher elevations. Common vocalization is a growling call, followed by several low hoots. Could be mistaken for Madagascar Turtle-Dove, but dwells in the canopy, is larger, has yellow bare parts, and doesn’t show pale corners to the tail in flight.