Chestnut-bellied Chat-Tyrant

A typical thrush in shape and size, but with unusual brown coloration. Varies significantly across the three islands where it occurs, and these populations may be full species. The Grand Comoro birds have plain pale brown underparts, the Moheli birds have darker blotching below, and the distinctive Anjouan birds are scaled on the underparts. Found in humid forest, secondary habitats, and plantations, mostly at higher elevations, though down to sea level in some places. The song is a typical thrush mix of whistles and quavering notes, whose exact structure varies on the different islands. Also gives “pik” notes, short trills, and a high-pitched “seet.”  

Male is a pale ashy-gray songbird with darker, pale-edged wings. Female is paler, especially underneath, and shows more extensive pale wing markings. Juvenile is still paler than female with faint breast streaking. Found in a variety of woods and forests in lowlands and foothills, where singles, pairs, or groups inhabit upper levels. Smaller than Black-faced, Moluccan, and Buru Cuckooshrikes, with a noticeably slimmer bill and much less black on the head. Differs from Wallacean Cuckooshrike in its paler appearance and in showing less black on face. Calls include a dry rattle, “grrrrrrrt,” a short single “chuck” call, and chattering phrases.

Antvireos, as the name, suggests, resemble vireos, with rather heavy bills and shortish tails. This species inhabits open understory in humid forest of tropical lowlands and foothills. Usually found as sluggish singles or pairs, at times moving with mixed-species feeding flocks. Male has gray face and breast with a broad dark mask. Female has rusty cap and plain face and breast with a whitish eyering.