Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel

A distinctive long-tailed thrush from Sulawesi. Graduated tail often appears abraded. Upperparts dark, with slate-colored back and wings. Wings show a rufous flash. Underparts warm rufous-orange in color, uniform in adults but variably speckled below in young birds, particularly around the throat. A shy terrestrial thrush that forages on forest floor and trails, found very locally in montane areas. Told from Island and Sulawesi Thrushes by notably longer tail, lack of black brow, and absence of dark throat. Largely silent; song unknown, but high-pitched whistle has been reported.

A plump, small-headed, pigeon-like bird. Mostly chestnut-cinnamon speckled with white; the male has a gray face and yellow spectacles, and the female has a yellowish face. It prefers foraging on the ground for seeds in semi-arid woodland on red Kalahari sands, where it can be inconspicuous. Gathers in large groups at drinking sites in the morning. The soft “chuup-chuup chop-chop” call is diagnostic.

A small bird with a long curved bill. Adults have an obvious dark cap (black on males and gray on females) and mask with dark marks down the side of the chest. Note the white corners to the fanned tail that can be obvious in flight. Young birds are plain buff-colored underneath and plain brown above. Young birds could be confused with female Scarlet Myzomela (Scarlet Honeyeater), but note longer bill of spinebill. Eastern Spinebills are active and fast, darting around quickly between flowering trees in wetter forested areas as well as parks and gardens. Voice is a loud repetitive piping whistle.