Black-capped Becard

Medium-sized, slender songbird, dark above, white below; rather large for a minivet. Male has white forecrown and brow, lacking in female. In both sexes, white of breast curves up behind black ear coverts, producing a distinctive head pattern. Both also show dusky patches on the sides of the breast that make a “vested” appearance. Inhabits lowland to montane forests, where typically forages in small flocks. Gives a dry trilling call, often in flight.

Medium-sized, gray-brown bird with a weird spiky tail. Dull streaking on the back and underparts. Scarce Madagascar endemic that is found in sedge marshes in and adjacent to eastern rainforest at middle and high elevations. Very skulky, though it will sometimes sit in the open briefly to sing. Song is a bouncy trill, usually given as a duet by a pair. Far less likely to be seen than the common Madagascar Brush-Warbler or Swamp Warbler. In case of any confusion, look for the Gray Emutail’s smaller size, streaky back, and wispy tail. 

Large, strongly marked quail with pale breast/belly with heavy dark streaks. Note bold pale eyebrow. Male has orange throat contrasting with blackish breast. Typically found in drier grasslands. As a flushed bird descends to land, it often slows down in flight before dropping into cover; look carefully for a pale patch on the leading-edge of the wing as it drops.