Southern Masked-Weaver

Little-known swift found mostly in mountainous areas, though flocks occasionally venture into lowlands. All dark with short square tail and angular wings. Namesake white spots on forehead and behind eyes are distinctive, but these can be extremely difficult to see. Many swifts are best left unidentified. Sex and age variation not well known; some birds, maybe juveniles, can show whitish scaling on belly. Occasionally seen singly or mixed with flocks of other swifts, but most often in monotypic flocks of up to several dozen individuals. Voice can be helpful with practice; typically a staccato chatter followed by “pew pew pew” notes like a laser gun.

A small green-backed forest cuckoo of West and Central Africa. Males have a distinctive bright yellow throat and a brown-and-black barred belly, while females lack the yellow throat and have a brown-and-black barred face, throat, and breast. Can be located by its distinctive song, which is a series of up to 10 or more rapidly delivered clear whistles that speed up before quickly fading. Alternate call is an often overlooked “dwuit-tew” or “wait here.” Usually outnumbered by African Emerald Cuckoo, in which males have yellow bellies and green heads and females have more of a black-and-white barred appearance.

Small honeyeater with white throat and orange-red breast band. Face is gray, back is brown, and belly is white. Feeds on insects and nectar in woodlands, often near water. Also found in mangroves. Juveniles lack the rusty breast band and also have pink on the bill. Found at lower altitudes in northern Australia and New Guinea. This species is abundant in parks and gardens in Darwin.