Talaud Rail

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.

Handsome laughingthrush endemic to the southeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and its adjacent Himalayan foothills. Gray overall, with a dark rust-colored face, slate-blue-and-orange wing panels, and a bright white “moustache.” An adaptable species, occurring in and around human habitation, as well as naturally-occurring brushy and scrubby areas such as forest edges and gulches. In pairs or flocks, often foraging noisily in bushes or on the ground. Song consists of loud, bright, repeated “woop-di-dee-doo!” phrases, and calls include loud rattling series.

A slender lark with a sharp, straight dagger-like bill, long legs, a pale eyebrow, and a long dark tail with contrasting white outer tail feathers. Upperparts are rusty with whitish feather edging, giving it a scaly appearance. Underparts are whitish with rusty streaks across the chest. Endemic to Somalia in open grassland and lightly wooded areas, often on red sand, where pairs run extensively and fly only short distances. Vocalizations undescribed. Russet Lark is similar to Somali Lark, but has a more robust bill, shorter tail, richer rusty upperparts and buff (not white) outer tail feathers; Lesser Hoopoe-Lark is plain and pale.