Wattled Starling

Medium-sized shy bird of tall forest. Both sexes easily recognizable by thick conical bill and contrasting black head; male’s red plumage renders it essentially unmistakable. Female similarly patterned, but with red replaced by yellow and olive. Found in middle and lower levels of rainforest, especially in hilly regions and premontane forests around the tepuis; locally distributed and nowhere common. Sometimes follows mixed-species flocks. Gives thin, lisping contact calls that are easily overlooked. Male’s song is a slow, rich, inflected warble, usually ending on a higher note; distinctive once learned.

A compact, cryptically-colored, very shy bird of grassy areas, including both natural meadows and some agricultural fields, where it remains hidden from view on the ground unless flushed at close range. Both sexes brown overall with a pale face, long white eyebrows, and subtle stippling and striping on the back and breast. Breeding males have a reddish-brown face and throat. Vocal mostly during the breeding season; males give a dry, explosive three-noted song from cover. Flushed birds fly with noisy, whistling wings, unlike crakes or shorebirds. Introduced to Hawaii, found on all of the main islands. A common avicultural bird, so escapees may occur around the world.

Faded-looking barbet of Borneo’s north-central mountain ranges. Grass-green above and pale green below, with a pale blue head, an off-white throat, and a bright red streak on the back of the head. Relatively common in montane and submontane forest and edge (most common 600–1200) but can be difficult to see. Listen for its song, a series of hollow, echoing notes comparable to a water bottle being emptied. Can be found in and around fruiting trees, sometimes in mixed flocks.