White-browed Crake

Exceedingly plain and short-tailed babbler, found in the broadleaf evergreen forests of Sumatra’s lowlands and foothills. Compare with Horsfield’s, Abbott’s, White-breasted, and Short-tailed Babblers; note large pinkish-colored bill and lack of any warm color on the back or sides. Dull, skulky, and generally uncommon, this undergrowth-dweller can be difficult to get a good look at, and is more readily heard than seen. Forages singly and in pairs, typically on or close to the ground. Song is a variable, cheery up-and-down series of notes; in southern parts of the species’ range, singing birds may add a trill at the end of a song. Call is an explosive, rapid chatter.

A dark thrush with a slightly paler head, and orange bill, eyering, legs, and feet. Found at high elevations in Mindanao and Negros in the Philippines, where it is more common than many of the former Island Thrush complex. Forages at all levels of forest, including on the forest floor. Calls include harsh chupping calls, often given in bursts.

A tiny, short-tailed, streaky cisticola. Note the rufous rump and variably rufous flanks. Breeding male has an unstreaked rufous crown. Female and non-breeding male have a paler brown crown with dark streaks. Found locally in short grassland, especially in seasonally flooded areas. Inconspicuous for most of the year. Usually seen when doing a flight display over its breeding habitat. Very similar to several other cisticolas, though usually distinguished by range. Zitting Cisticola overlaps widely in range, but Black-backed is separated by voice, richer overall coloration, and shorter tail. The song consists of a series of raspy “chree” notes, sometimes given along with wing snaps. Also gives explosive scolding notes and high-pitched whines.