New Georgia Dwarf-Kingfisher

Huge bulky lark with a sharp, slightly decurved bill. Pale brown above and off-white below, with a pale brow stripe, distinct brownish ear patch, and a black mark on the neck near the shoulder. Has a less contrasting head pattern than Calandra Lark and Bimaculated Lark, but is overall more strongly patterned than female Black Lark. Distinctively blade-like bill also distinguishes this species from the former two. In flight, snowy white tail edges and back wing edges are eye-catchingly prominent; Calandra Lark has minimal white on the tail tips, and Bimaculated Lark lacks white on either wings or tail. Found in high plateau regions, where it prefers rather wet areas, often on the margins of lakes, marshes, and flooded pastures. Song, given in flight, includes rolling warbles and buzzy grating notes. Calls resemble harsh, buzzy phrases from song.       

Brilliantly colored small partridge of montane and foothill forests. Often difficult to see in the gloom and tangle of shaded vegetation, but note slate-gray back and chest, rusty belly, and bright orange-and-black face pattern. Like other Arborophila partridges, typically forages on the forest floor in small groups. Song is a fast and gradually rising series of “whew” notes; when duetting, one bird gives the aforementioned song while its partner gives a slower, lower-pitched “boo-goo, boo-goo, boo-goo.”

A large, slender lark with a long, thin decurved bill and long legs. Features can be variable, but generally the species has rufous upperparts, grayish coloration on the back of the neck, and a lightly streaked chest. As the similar-looking long-billed larks have separate ranges, location is a key factor in identification. This species strides purposefully through dry open shrubland, running quickly before pausing to dig in soil or pick at a shrub for invertebrate prey, seeds, or fruit. In a characteristic display the male flies low to the ground before flying directly up 10 to 15 meters, and then closing its wings and plummeting toward the ground while typically emitting a two-note “hit-seeeoooouuu” whistle, the second note descending. This call and similar ones can also be given from the ground. Most larks in the same range are smaller and more compact, with smaller bills and shorter legs.