Mindanao Island-Thrush

A drab, uniform brown honeyeater with a long, sharp downcurved bill that lacks any knobs. Juveniles show scaled upperparts and a yellowish throat. Singles or pairs inhabit canopy of rainforest, swamp forest, edges, and secondary growth, principally in lowlands, but also in foothills. Differs from Streak-headed Honeyeater in its larger bill, uniform brown plumage, lack of white crown streaks, and lack of pale moustache. Differs from Long-billed Honeyeater in its shorter bill and dark eyes. Gives a strident “tchew” call. Song is a series of “witch-oo” notes or “chew-hoo” phrases.

A gregarious species that uses a wide variety of habitats. It is colored black overall except for a yellow-orange shoulder patch, which is usually visible when perched, but should always be apparent in flight. The very similar male Red-shouldered Blackbird can be told by its redder shoulder. The female Red-shouldered Blackbird lacks color on the shoulder and thus can look nearly identical to a Tawny-shouldered Blackbird when its shoulder patch is hidden; sometimes, identification of females can only be made in flight. The Shiny Cowbird lacks a shoulder patch, is quite glossy, and has a shorter and stouter bill than the Tawny-shouldered Blackbird. Vocalizations include a rough “chet,” a sharp musical “chee,” and a metallic upslurred “willeee.”

Unusual and attractive black-and-yellow weaver. Males show a brown cap and females a black one. Both sexes have a yellow patch on the back. Found in montane forest, usually in pairs or small groups, which often join mixed-species feeding flocks. Feeds by creeping along larger tree limbs like a nuthatch. Not very vocal, but vocalizations are typical of weavers: “chit” notes and a sizzling, “radio static” song. Similar to Preuss’s and Yellow-capped Weavers, but male is separated by its brown cap, and female by its all-black head.