Large-billed Reed Warbler

A medium-large, highly variable eagle that can range in overall color from whitish or creamy dull rufous to grayish-brown, and rarely dark brown. It has a moderately long gape line that stops at the center of the eye and slit-shaped nostrils. Legs are short and heavily feathered, with baggy “trousers.” Juveniles are generally paler than adults, while older immatures can have a dark hood and pale body. Mostly a bird of plains and open scrub; rarely seen over water, and avoids forests. Overall not as heavy looking as the Steppe Eagle, and never has a rich brown color tone. 

Brightly-colored barbet restricted to the Annamite Range of southern Vietnam and southeastern Laos, where it inhabits hill and montane forests. Like other barbets, often sticks close to dense foliage in the canopy, where it can be difficult to see; listen instead for its echoing hiccuping song, which has a frog-like quality. If seen well, note the leaf-green body, thick black mask and “eyebrow”, red forehead, and bright yellow throat and crown. Namesake “necklace” consists of a thin black line across the throat which can be difficult to see. Very similar to closely-related Golden-throated Barbet, but ranges do not overlap.

A large black drongo with a notched tail and long, racketlike outer tail streamers, a glossy neck, and an obvious crest that curves backwards. Juveniles are duller and often lack the tail streamers. Prefers woodlands and forests where it may be found associating with mixed flocks, other drongos, and birds such as treepies and babblers. Similar to other drongos when without tail, but combination of notched tail, crest on forehead and medium-sized bill set it apart. An accomplished mimic with variety of vocalisations including metallic jingling sounds.