Socotra Sparrow

Shy and surprisingly difficult to find in mixed and conifer woodland, where it runs quickly from detected disturbance. Red-and-gold male stunning and unmistakable. Female differs from Common Pheasant in strongly barred plumage, dull pinkish (not gray) legs and feet and from Lady Amherst’s Pheasant in lighter barring, more orangeish coloration, and the lack of a bare patch of gray skin behind the eye. Native to China but introduced very locally in Britain and Hawaii; however, captive birds might escape anywhere.

Attractive small puffbird of lowland rainforest. White below, reddish brown above, with a black mask and single black breast band. As with most puffbirds, can be difficult to spot as it sits motionless on a perch for long periods of time; usually perches fairly low, in the under and midstory in dense vegetation. Prefers forest edges and other areas of dense secondary growth, especially around water.

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.