Black Hornbill

A mid-sized kingfisher with a variable plumage pattern; nearly 50 subspecies described worldwide. All of them have a greenish-blue crown, a white spot above the lores, a black mask extending down as a narrow band across the hindneck, and a white collar. Upperparts are greenish-blue, rump brighter blue, with blue wings and tail and white underparts. Female and juvenile slightly duller. Subspecies mainly differ in plumage, with upperparts varying from blue to green to olive-toned, white loral spot sometimes extending as a supercilium, and underparts sometimes buffier. Gives various vocalizations, but most common call is a “kek-kek-kek-kek.” Frequents mangroves and tidal creeks, though sometimes inhabits other habitats, including coconut plantations in islands.

A striking thrush with a black-and-white head pattern, a chestnut back, prominent white wing markings, a black chest, large black splotching down the flanks, and a white belly. Juveniles show chestnut spots above, black-spotted buffy underparts, and buff wingbars. Found in forests in the lowlands and foothills, foraging singly on the ground. Restricted to the Lesser Sundas. Separated from Chestnut-capped Thrush by chestnut back, black cap, and small white throat. Song consists of rich cadences, typical of thrushes. Call is a quiet, thin rasping note.

An unmistakable massive black cuckoo with creamy-white wing patches that are visible both perched and in flight. Rare pale forms also occur that have pale heads and variable buff areas on their bodies. Juveniles similar to typical dark adults, but show chestnut on the underparts. The species is found in pairs or small groups within dense tangles in the understory of forest and in nearby thick undergrowth. Often detected by call, a series of deep, very low-pitched “boop” notes, descending toward the end. Also gives a very different, harsh, scraping “chow” call in alarm.