Marsh Grassbird

Inconspicuous, apalis-like grayish warbler with a long tail, straight thin bill, and buff-brown forehead. Isolated population in Mozambique, sometimes considered a different species (Njesi Tailorbird), is smaller, darker, and browner on the head. Singles and pairs are very low density, shy and creep slowly through the undergrowth and canopy, especially nearby streams; sometimes joins mixed-species flocks. Song a pleasant sweet bouncing “eeh-yuh, eeh-yuh, eeh-yuh” or strident “peelik-peelik-peelik”, sometimes joined in duet with a dry buzzing “dzit”; call a high-pitched “chhet” like a squeaky dog’s toy. Similar Brown-headed Apalis is shorter-billed than Long-billed Tailorbird and has white tips to the tail.

Small, pallid olive-gray warbler. Very similar to other Iduna and Acrocephalus species. Note its long and slender bill and faint pale wing panel (most prominent when plumage is fresh, sometimes not noticeable). Pumps its long tail continuously as it flits around in bushes and trees after small insects, a behavior which separates it from very similar Acrocephalus warblers. Found in open woodlands, riparian forest, as well as dry and semi-arid zones; strong connection with Tamarix bushes. Call is a dry and harsh “chack.” Song is a repeating scratchy sequence.

A medium-sized owl of wooded areas on the island of Cebu. Head and upperparts dark brown and indistinctly barred. Underparts orange-brown. Shows some white speckling in the wing, a pale bar behind the shoulder, bright yellow eyes, and white eyebrows forming an arching V-shape. Note the large white throat patch. Unmistakable. No other owls occur in its range. Song is a distinctive “wip! Doo-wip! Doh” with the middle notes falling then rising, and the final note falling. Also gives single “wip” notes and rasps.