Sierra Madre Ground-Warbler

A compact raptor endemic to New Zealand, with streaky cream-and-brown breast and reddish-brown undertail. In flight, note rapid beating of long pointed wings, and long rounded tail shape while gliding. Females are much larger than males. Widely distributed throughout New Zealand in native and exotic forest, as well as in tussock grassland and farmland. Will aggressively dive-bomb intruders close to nesting sites. Distinctive “kek-kek-kek” call given during attacks. Similar to Swamp Harrier but smaller; rarely feeds on road kill, actively chases prey, and glides with wings set flat rather than a shallow “V” shape like the Swamp Harrier.

A dark brown babbler with a bright white rump. The pattern on the head and breast varies widely across this species' range; birds can have a completely white head, a white face mask with a dark rim, or a black throat and white cheek patch. The extent of the pale scaly markings on the breast also varies. Found in moist woodland, forest edge, and scrub, almost always in groups of up to ten individuals. Easily separated from other babblers in its range by the white rump. The call is a raucous babbling, usually given by a whole group in chorus. 

A large, long-tailed bird of lowland and foothill forest. Blackish in plumage, with a bluish gloss on the back and a white tail tip. Note the wide red eye-ring, the yellow bill with red at the base, and the shaggy red crest from the crown. Forages in vine tangles for insects and other animal prey. Similar in size and shape to Scale-feathered Malkoha, but Red-crested lacks the obvious white hood. Call is a sharp “jok!”