Ogea Monarch

A medium-sized owl with deep black eyes, strictly nocturnal and infrequently seen. Gray to gray-brown overall with a big rounded head. Found at a broad range of elevations from sea level to high mountains, in woodland, forest, parkland, rocky areas, and sometimes towns and villages. Tends to roost well hidden in foliage during the day, when may be detected by tracking down the excited sound of small birds mobbing the owl. Comes out at night to hunt in clearings and more open areas. Most often detected by its quavering hoots and "kee-wik!" shrieks, given at night. Somewhat similar to Pharaoh Eagle-Owl, but smaller and grayer, with dark rather than yellow-orange eyes.

A distinctive big-billed bird that is entirely deep purple in color except for a conspicuous sky-blue cap and rump. Juvenile has a duller cap and browner underparts. Sits upright. Prefers open country near wooded and forested areas, where it is most often seen perched high on prominent dead branches, usually singly or in pairs. Occurs in both lowlands and foothills. Gives a harsh, dry grating call, “ka-ka-ka-ka…”, and sometimes also a single “chowwEER.”

Small, very plain brown swallow with a white belly. Found in a variety of open habitats, including marshes, rice paddies, other agricultural fields, secondary forest, and montane heathland. Found at middle and high elevations, and absent from the lowlands. Most often seen on the wing, sometimes in flocks, which can also contain other species of swallow or swift. Weak, fluttering flight. The common vocalization, usually given in flight, is a short, slightly descending rattling trill. Somewhat similar to Mascarene Martin, but much smaller and plainer, lacking streaking on the underparts.