Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher

Large rufous flycatcher with a slight crest, a cinnamon back, dusky flight feathers, and buff underparts. Inhabits wooded caatinga (dry scrubby forest) in the breeding season, with migrants also found in Cerrado and Amazonian savannas and light woodland in the non-breeding season. The similar Rufous Casiornis has a rufous back, the same color as the wings.

A typical thrush in shape and size, but with unusual brown coloration. Varies significantly across the three islands where it occurs, and these populations may be full species. The Grand Comoro birds have plain pale brown underparts, the Moheli birds have darker blotching below, and the distinctive Anjouan birds are scaled on the underparts. Found in humid forest, secondary habitats, and plantations, mostly at higher elevations, though down to sea level in some places. The song is a typical thrush mix of whistles and quavering notes, whose exact structure varies on the different islands. Also gives “pik” notes, short trills, and a high-pitched “seet.”  

A tiny, short-tailed songbird with a thick bill. Has deep olive upperparts, dark wings, and clean white underparts with a conspicuous yellow wash on the flanks. Juvenile shows a pale-based bill and duller flanks. Singles and pairs can be found in a wide variety of habitats in the lowlands and foothills, including forest, forest edge, and cultivated areas. Restricted to Sangihe, Sulawesi, and nearby satellite islands. Yellow flanks are diagnostic, lacking in all other local flowerpeckers. Calls include a wet “swit” note and an extremely high-pitched, monotonous “tzit-tzit-tzit…”.