Reichenow's Seedeater

Cryptically-colored nightbird. Note white “moustache” streak, golden-brown collar, and pointed buff-and-black feathers above the wing. Much more intricately marked than Large-tailed Nightjar; also lacks white throat of that species. Not as diffusely patterned as Savanna and Jungle Nightjars, both of which lack Indian’s white “moustache” and clear collar. Male shows bright white patches near the wingtips and on the tail-tips in flight. Found in a range of wooded habitats, from hilly dry forest to garden edges. Listen for its distinctive song, an accelerating knocking akin to a ping-pong ball dropping and bouncing rapidly on the floor.

Uncommon small black crow. Plumage has an iridescent dark blue sheen when seen up close. Compared to much more common Philippine Large-billed Crow, note present species’ larger-headed appearance, small bare patch behind eye, and somewhat stouter-looking bill. Formerly treated as part of a more generic “Slender-billed Crow” that ranged from the Philippines to Sulawesi; Sierra Madre Crow is restricted to montane forests in northern and central Luzon. Often encountered singly, in pairs, or as small flocks in flight over swathes of contiguous forest. Calls are quite different from those of Philippine Large-billed Crow, being rather high-pitched short caws: “weh, weh, weh!”

Nondescript flycatcher restricted to savanna scrub on weathered sandy soils. Told from other elaenias by blurry streaking on underparts, relatively indistinct wingbars, and lack of a crest; rufous in crown is difficult to see in the field. Despite localized distribution, may be common in proper habitat. Pairs sit in shrubs or small trees, sallying to foliage for insects and calling frequently. Does not typically associate with other species. Other, similar-sized flycatchers in habitat are clear whitish below. Call is one or two odd, burry, growling notes; members of a pair often answer each other.