Lesser Green Leafbird

A highly variable species that seemingly changes its appearance on every island. Generally green or blue above and white or buffy orange below. Most subspecies have some degree of orange or buff eyebrow, most notably lacking in the Vanikoro Island population. In Tonga and Samoa, birds are much whiter, with a broad white eyebrow bordering a small greenish cap and a clean white underside. Generally coastal, preferring mangroves, but common in most habitat types to 1500 meters of elevation. Sacred Kingfisher is very similar but has a slimmer bill and is always buff below. Juvenile Sacred Kingfisher has a more scaly breast. Pacific’s most common call is a loud, harsh “kee-kee-kee-kee” often given in flight.

Extremely rare diving duck. Breeding male has a dark green gloss to the head, but often seems dark-headed in poor lighting. Non-breeding males are duller, but have pale eyes. Females and immatures have dark brown heads and dark eyes. Boldly patterned chestnut-and-white sides unique among ducks; compare the brown sides of Ferruginous Duck and pale sides of Common Pochards, both similar species. Can be difficult to separate from Ferruginous Duck, with which it sometimes hybridizes; note less extensive white wing panels in present species. During the colder months, often found singly or in small groups within non-breeding flocks of more common duck species. Breeds on sheltered, well-vegetated lakes; prefers large open bodies of water in the winter.

Striking bird of high elevation Andean cloud forest. Plumage is yellow with a strawberry red hood and dark wings; nothing similar occurs within its range. Male has a more extensive red hood than female. Uncommon and infrequently encountered. Pairs or small groups usually stay high in the forest canopy and may occasionally join mixed-species flocks. Gives short bursts of clear, high-pitched notes that can carry surprisingly far over mountain slopes.