Northern Fiscal

A drab, long-tailed brownish greenbul. The upperparts are brown and the underparts paler olive-gray. A generally scarce and uncommon species. Not found in true lowland rainforest, preferring gallery forest and thickets, and drier middle-elevation forest. Somewhat similar to Slender-billed Greenbul, but has more olive-green rather than gray underparts that contrast less with the back. Similar to White-throated Greenbul, but duller, with much less contrast on the throat. The vocalizations include “wiik” and “dek” notes and a series of whiny whistles. 

A tiny, inconspicuous flycatcher that is best told by combination of small size, relatively large bill, and dense scrub habitat. If seen well, note pale buffy spectacles and yellowish wing bars. Almost always heard before seen. Occurs in dense thickets and scrub, particularly in areas with sandy soils; may be found more generally in forest edge and disturbed habitats within its limited range, where it is uncommon but probably overlooked. Voice is a stuttering purr with a distinctive hollow quality, similar to other Poecilotriccus. Told from Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher by much duller plumage.

A medium-sized songbird endemic to New Zealand, confined to predator-free offshore islands and South Island mainland sanctuaries. Glossy black plumage with distinct chestnut saddle across the back, which gives the bird its name. Note the bright reddish-orange wattles on either side of the bill. Juveniles have smaller wattles and are chocolate brown for their first year. Listen for distinct calls resembling a blaring “cheeet ta-chet ta-chet ta-chet” sound. Constantly moves noisily as it restlessly forages on the floor and through the canopy. Flicks over leaves and digs into rotting logs with its strong bill in search of invertebrates. Distinguished from Eurasian Blackbird by chestnut saddle and wattles.