Kashmir Nuthatch

Small songbird found only in evergreen broadleaf forests on southern Izu Islands of Japan. Stunning in plumage, with deep rusty body, dark gray wings and tail, and black throat and crown patch. Formerly considered a large subspecies of Varied Tit, but note the much darker rusty face. Call similar to Varied but higher-pitched, with more frequent, forceful whistles between the nasal notes.

Small, creeping bird of highland forest canopy. Chestnut cap, wings, and tail contrast with olive-brown back and gray underparts. At close range, note somewhat decurved bill. Found only in humid highland forests of the tepui region (above 800 m), particularly in areas with heavy growth of mosses and epiphytes. Forages by hitching up large branches and tree trunks, and also creeps along limbs, inspecting bromeliads and bark crevices from which it gleans insect prey. Often encountered with mixed-species flocks. Voice is a long series of high tinkling notes, dropping in pitch and accelerating. No similar species occurs in tepui highlands.

A small black-and-white monarch. Mostly black above with a black head, back, and chest. Note the distinctive white cheek spot and large white wing patch. Note the significant amount of white on undertail. Endemic to Kolombangara, New Georgia, Vangunu, Rendova, and Tetepare, in the southwestern Solomon Islands. Prefers primary forest, but tolerates secondary growth. Occurs up to about 600 meters of elevation. Voice commonly consists of long pulsing whistles or harsh chattering.