Orange-tufted Sunbird

Typical scops-owl, with small ear tufts that can be hidden, especially when roosting during the day. Color varies from gray to brown to rufous, with rufous birds more prevalent in the eastern rainforest. Inhabits both moist and dry habitats throughout Madagascar, including rainforest, dry deciduous forest, spiny forest, scrub, and plantations. Often found on day roosts in low tangles. Song varies geographically. In the east, it is a punctuated “tru-tru-tru…”. In the west it is a more rolling “trrr-trrr-trrr…”. Intermediate vocalizations can be heard in transitional zones, such as far northern Madagascar. Much smaller than all of Madagascar’s other owls.

Tiny honeyeater. Adult males have brilliant red coloration on the face and back; it also extends down onto the breast. The rest of the male’s breast and underparts are predominantly white; its wings and tail are black. Adult females are uniformly pale brown-gray with faint red on the face. Young birds are similar to adult females but have varying amounts of red. Take care not to confuse the plain female/young birds with other plain honeyeaters such as Brown Honeyeater and Dusky Honeyeater. Found in wetter parts of coastal eastern Australia; this includes forests at higher elevations and mangroves. Has a distinctive high-pitched song that is helpful to learn for identifying this species as it often feeds high in the canopy.

Large, black-hooded, big-billed vanga. Males are white below, while females are pale rufous. Madagascar endemic that is found locally in eastern rainforest. Can be found solo or in pairs, sometimes in flocks with other vangas. Most common vocalizations are a sharp, rising whistle and a “chi-che-che” scold. Separated from Van Dam’s and Lafresnaye’s Vangas by range. Separated from Madagascar Cuckooshrike and Tylas Vanga by much larger bill. Unlike Madagascar Cuckooshrike, never shows gray underparts.