Black-breasted Myzomela

A large, very long-tailed lorikeet of mid and upper montane forest. Has a red head and chest, green wings, dark patch on the belly, green base to the tail and yellow tail tip. The rump is red in males and yellow in females. A distinctive black morph, still with green wings, also occurs. Like other lorikeets, nomadic following the flowering of trees. Similar to Josephine’s Lorikeet, but Papuan is distinctly larger with long tail streamers. Calls include a high-pitch, ringing “srik!” note, as well as quieter chips and twitters.

Conspicuous inhabitant of woods, forests, parks, gardens, and hedges in farmland. Often visits bird feeders and uses nest boxes. Plumage is distinctive, with white cheeks surrounded by a black cap and bib. Male has a broader black stripe down belly than the female, and the juvenile (seen in summer–early autumn) has yellowish wash to face and drabber plumage overall. Underparts are bright yellow throughout much of range, but “Turkestan Tit” of Central Asia has a white belly. Appreciably larger and more boldly patterned than Eurasian Blue Tit, which often occurs alongside it. Listen for its distinctive high-pitched up-and-down song: “tsee-dee-tsee-dee-tsee-dee” and chattering scolds.

Small brownish wren now found only on Dominica; formerly also occurred on Guadeloupe and Martinique. Plumage cinnamon-brown overall, with dark barring on the wings and tail. Lacks white eyebrow. Generally more arboreal than mainland “House Wrens”, occurring in dense brushy woodland throughout the island. Often perches conspicuously when singing, but otherwise fairly secretive. Listen for loud song of chatters and clearer trills, as well as harsh scolding calls.