Glossy-backed Becard

Relatively small plain plover, found from Java east through the Lesser Sundas. Brown above and white below, with a neat white collar, forehead, and eyebrow. Brown shoulder spur sometimes forms a complete thin band across the chest. Breeding adults have orange tinging behind the eye and around the collar. Juvenile is similar to non-breeding adult, but has pale-fringed upper body feathers. Very similar to Kentish Plover, but note Javan’s warm brown patch behind ears, lack of orange on the crown in breeding plumage, and paler legs. Malaysian Plover is also similar, but always has white fringes on brown upper body feathers, and warm tones on the head. A coastal species, found on beaches, mudflats, estuaries, fishponds, and wet fields. Gives soft peeps and a questioning “week?”

Uncommon and local, rather small hummingbird of humid forest edge, plantations, and woodlands in tropical lowlands and foothills. Perches and feeds mainly at middle to upper levels in shady understory and at edges. Note the bright red bill and greenish-gold tail (which often looks grayish). Male has violet gorget. Female has violet throat spotting, but often these areas look rather dull and grayish unless they catch the light.

Small laughingthrush, brown with gray-powdered cheeks and faint pale streaking on the back and underparts. Restricted to thick scrubby or bushy edge and understory around 1000-3000 meters of elevation; most common towards the middle of this range. Forages near or on the ground, usually in pairs or small groups. Song whistled or burry, usually composed mostly of 2-3 downslurred notes.