Black-nest Swiftlet
Aerodramus maximus
A small dark Aerodramus swiftlet that is nearly impossible to distinguish from closely-related species such as Mossy-nest and White-nest Swiftlets. Dark above and paler gray below; rump varies from dirty white to dark depending on subspecies. Tail averages more squared-off and less prominently forked than White-nest and Germain’s swiftlets, but best identified when on feather-and-saliva nests, which are dark, as the name suggests. Nests in large colonies in caves, often with other species of swiftlet. Chitters at nest, but usually fairly quiet.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Aerodramus maximus
- Authority
- (Hume, 1878)
- Order
- Caprimulgiformes
- Family
- Apodidae
- Genus
- Aerodramus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds

Olive-chested Flycatcher
Myiophobus cryptoxanthus
Drab and unremarkable flycatcher found in the eastern foothills of the Andes in Ecuador and northern Peru. Note grayish-olive upperparts, dingy white underparts, yellow tinge to the belly, and pale wingbars. Yellow crown stripe is usually concealed. Habitat is a good ID clue: it perches low in grassy clearings with scattered bushes and small trees, and never ventures inside forest. Call is an inflected whistle repeated every few seconds, and song is a short, rising trill.

Okinawa Rail
Gallirallus okinawae
A candy-red bill, curving white head stripe, and lacey black-and-white striping make this a unique and attractive species. Found only in and around the Yanbaru Forest on Okinawa Island, where it forages on the forest floor, often in pairs or small flocks. Most frequently seen as it crosses roads, trails, and clearings. Gives a variety of different calls, typically given during dusk, dawn, or nighttime hours. All are somewhat terrifying, a medley of shrill yelps, high-pitched squeals, and a laughter-like clattering.

Guadalcanal Crow
Corvus woodfordi
A medium-sized crow with a rather short tail and a massive pale dark-tipped bill. Found in lowland and montane rainforest up to 1250 meters of elevation. Voice typically consists of staccato cawing and rasping.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.