Black-and-white Seedeater

A small brown songbird with a long tail, often raised and fanned to reveal white outer tail feathers. Largely dull brown with a rufous flash in the wing, a white throat, and a dull buff underside. A montane species, found singly or in pairs, often within mixed-species flocks. Distinguished from Arafura Fantail by plain underside, lacking a black chest. Song recalls a toy trumpet, “cher-wer-where,” rising on the last note. Also gives agitated chattering notes, a wet “wit,” and a sharp “pip.”

Large pipit with buffy outer tail feathers and a plain or very diffusely streaked back. Found in open areas with very short grass and also sometimes in agricultural fields. Call is a scratchy “tchit”. Song is a series of high then low notes, like a question that is being answered over and over. Often sings from the ground. Extremely similar to Buffy Pipit but separated by the yellowish rather than pink base to the bill.

Jaunty little terrestrial songbird of plains, agricultural fields, and semi-desert, where often perches prominently on utility wires and boulders. Tuxedoed breeding male is black with snow-white crown, belly, and rump. Female is sandy brown above and white below. Nonbreeding adult and immature have sandy underparts and pale fringes to the wing feathers, producing a worn, scaly look. Note black-and-white tail pattern in all plumages. Circles and plunges in an impressive display flight, in which a rambling series of whistles, trills, and buzzes are given. Calls include twangy “bi-zee!”, dry “chak” notes, and short, falling “dew.”