Marañon Sparrow

Glossy drongo of the eastern Visayas and Mindanao. Note the blue iridescence on the wings and neck, as well as the relatively weakly forked tail. Similar to Philippine Drongo-Cuckoo, but note present species’ much heavier bill. A vocal inhabitant of forested habitats, often foraging actively from exposed perches, sometimes in pairs or small groups. Vibrant song consists of clicks, whistles, warbles, harsh grating notes, and mimicry.

A tiny drab bird with a sharp bill. Note gray back, whitish underparts, and faintly black-speckled forehead. Generally uncommon in dry savanna and thornscrub, usually found in pairs or small flocks. Similar to Sennar and African Penduline-Tits, but grayer on the back and paler below. Can also be mistaken for Yellow-bellied or Yellow-vented Eremomelas, but has a shorter and thinner bill and no yellow on the underparts. Vocalizations include high-pitched “sit” notes and long trills. 

Unusual and distinctive paradise-flycatcher. Adult males are completely glossy blue-black with extremely long tail streamers. Female has a black head, rufous upperparts, and white underparts, and lacks tail streamers. Both sexes have a blue ring of bare skin around the eye. Endemic to the Seychelles, where it is found mainly on the islands of La Digue and Denis. Habitat is thick indigenous woodland. A restless, active bird of middle levels of the forest. Calls include a tearing “shreeet” and an agitated twittering. The song is a long, musical, slightly descending series of “twee” notes.