Shining Drongo

Large dotterel endemic to New Zealand. Pale gray-brown above, white to off-white below in non-breeding season. When breeding, underparts are varying levels of orange-red. Southern subspecies is larger and darker than northern subspecies, with more extensive red. Northern breeds on beaches and sandspits around most of the North Island coast, but sparsely on west coast and southern east coast. Many move to estuaries after breeding. Southern breeds only on subalpine habitat of Stewart Island, with some individuals traveling to estuaries and mudflats to feed. Southern winters along estuaries and rivers of Stewart Island and Awarua Bay, Southland; some birds wander farther during winter.

A large brown babbler of scrubby edges, second growth, and open forest in hilly and montane habitats. Usually in pairs when breeding, but sometimes in larger groups in the winter. Gray-brown from the crown down to the tail, orange on the face, sides, and undertail, and white on the throat, breast, and belly. Lacks strong streaking or spotting. Like other scimitar-babblers, frequently duets, giving far-carrying hooting choruses together. Also gives rolling chattering series typical of the genus. Red-eyed Scimitar-Babbler of Myanmar and northwest Thailand was formerly treated as part of this species; Rusty-cheeked is restricted to the Himalayas.

Streaky canopy foliage-gleaner with a slightly hooked bill tip. Light buffy brown overall with extensive streaking from the head down to the back and breast, with reddish wings and tail. Forages in the midstory and canopy with mixed species flocks, keeping its body horizontal as it clambers along branches. Most common in upland forest, where it can be the most common foliage-gleaner in canopy mixed species flocks, but can also occasionally be found in mature forest in seasonally flooded areas.