Gray-and-white Tyrannulet

Large songbird confined to a few scattered forests in the northern half of the North Island of New Zealand, and some offshore island sanctuaries where predator control is undertaken. Adults have a slate blue-gray body with vibrant cerulean wattles and a distinct black mask. Juvenile has smaller, pale pink wattles and a smaller face mask. Note the long downcurved tail and long legs, which help them bound around treetops with small wing flaps. Prefers not to fly but can glide for a few hundred meters when needed. Heard before seen at dawn; its unique, haunting song is composed of rich, sustained, organ-like notes. Often sings from a high perch and flaps its wings as it calls.

Medium-sized tanager of humid forest canopy. Males are black with a yellow crest, throat, and belly; the yellow belly is easily seen from below and distinguishes it from the similar Flame-crested Tanager. Females are yellowish brown. Individuals and pairs often join mixed-species flocks with other tanagers.

Small, brown antwren with a red back patch. Males have a black-speckled throat; females have tan throat and underparts. Part of the species complex previously known as “Stipple-throated Antwren.” Forages singly or in pairs in the understory of mature rainforest, often in mixed-species flocks with other antwrens and antshrikes. Song is a rising-falling series of high pitched notes.