New Caledonian Grassbird

Common in varied wooded and forested habitats, parks, gardens, farmland with hedges and scattered trees. Forms flocks in winter; often visits garden feeders. Handsome, brightly colored male is distinctive, with bluish cowl, pink face and breast, black-and-white wing pattern (colors muted in winter). Female much drabber but shares male pattern; especially note the complex wing pattern. Both sexes have white outer tail feathers, often striking in flight such as when flushed.

A medium-sized wheatear that is variable in plumage, but always has a diagnostic white rump and outer tail feathers in both sexes. The male has both gray and black morphs with white shoulder patches and black wings; gray morphs often have a gray crown. The female is sooty brown. Pairs and small groups perch on promontories in open shrubby hilly areas, stony patches on level ground, and around stone buildings, dropping onto the ground to forage. The similar White-headed Black-Chat resembles male dark-morph Mountain Wheatear, but has a black tail and rump and occupies broadleaf woodland.

A bulky, striking myzomela, mostly pitch black with a bright red rump and a bright crimson chest, throat, and flanks forming a “vest.” Belly, back, and head deep black. Female chocolate-brown above and ruddy-brown below. Prefers primary forest, but wanders to secondary growth and scrub. No similar species occur in its range. Voice is a sweet, high-pitched “tsip-tsip.”