Mottled Petrel

Odd, striking bulbul that resembles a shrike. Crown and shoulders are gray, back and wings are olive, and a broad black stripe runs from the beak, through the eyes and ears, forming a broad necklace on the creamy white underparts. Juvenile is less striking, with pale tips to the feathers. Pairs are localized residents in wooded tall grassland with scattered shrubs. Gives a fast high-pitched whiny “chet-cherit-rit-rit-rit” and a liquid melodious song that wafts up and down in pitch, rendered “choo-oo-cheloo-eo-loo-oe-loo”, sweeter than similar sounding Common Bulbul.

Small honeyeater with pale yellow throat and face, as well as a distinct black neck patch. Plumage is mostly olive-gray with yellow coloration in the wing and tail. Adult has an entirely black bill, whereas juvenile’s bill is mostly yellow. Feeds on nectar and insects. Tends to be aggressive towards other species. Found in tropical forests of northern Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Very similar to Reed Bunting, but smaller and more slender; also note finer bill, colder pale buffy-brown (instead of rufous) wing coverts, and less extensive streaking on the underparts. Breeding male has a black hood and bright white “moustache” stripe. Female and non-breeding birds are pale sandy brown with a pale but noticeable white “moustache.” Breeds in thickets and vegetation clusters in tundra and winters in reedbeds and tall grassy or brushy areas near water, where often associated with mixed-species flocks. Song is a series of wet buzzy “tsli” notes. “Chlip” calls distinctly sparrow-like.