White-throated Mountain-gem

A large, black-and-brown myna with white wing patches, yellow bill, and yellow legs. Gregarious and often found in noisy flocks. Aggressive, often driving away other birds. Can be found just about anywhere but the densest forests. Native to southern Asia, where it is among the most common species. Widely introduced elsewhere in the world, including Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii.

A fairly large bird of mid-montane forest. Male, mainly black plumage with 2 remarkable erectile fans which are lifted up over the head during its display. Metallic, blue-green, trapezium-shaped breast shield and patches above the eyes. Female has a dark brown back, barred underparts and a black head. Male is unmistakable. Female distinguished from Lawes’s Parotia female by slightly smaller size and black eye, and from female Magnificent Bird-of-Paradise by its black bill. The male’s yellow-green interior of the mouth is visible whilst it gives its piercing nasal screech.

Large sunbird of mangroves. Male is completely covered with iridescence and can appear dark all over; look out for glistening wine-red throat and overall blue-green tones in good lighting. Female is far plainer, with a yellow belly, a pale throat, and a thin dark line through the eye. Nominate female Plain-throated Sunbird can be similar, but Plain-throated has a yellow throat, a faint eyering, a less curved bill, and more extensive yellow underparts. Gives a squeaky, ringing trill and a inflected “tslee.”