New Ireland Munia

A tiny, green, very short-tailed parrot restricted to Sangihe Island. Mostly bright green with a red rump, upper tail, and throat in both sexes. Male differs from female in having a red forehead patch and a pale eye. Singles or pairs occur in forest, forest edge, and plantations in both lowlands and foothills. The only tiny, short-tailed parrot on the island. Calls include a very high-pitched “zeet” and repeated “tzew-tzew-tzew.”

An odd, thrush-like warbler; extremely shy and seldom seen as it lurks about in dense undergrowth. The largest grasshopper-warbler, with a distinctly robust appearance. Matte brown with pale brow, throat, and belly. Complete lack of streaking distinguishes this species from Middendorff’s and Pallas’s grasshopper-warblers; white throat and pale brow distinguish Gray’s from the much browner Pleske’s Warbler. Slightly warmer-colored Sakhalin Grasshopper-Warbler is extremely similar but has a whiter throat, a thicker brow, and more extensive brown on the underside.

Unique snail-eating raptor. Widespread and fairly common in Central and South America, but very limited range in U.S. Found exclusively around lakes and marshes with plenty of vegetation. Adult male is entirely dark gray with red eyes, orange feet and base of bill, briefly turning red in breeding season. Females and immatures are streaky brown. Note very sharply hooked bill, long broad wings, and short dark tail with a white base above and below. Look for pairs or small groups flying over marshes with slow, buoyant wingbeats. Frequently perches on bushes.