Blue-fronted Robin

Tiny and active sunbird of forest edges, parks, and gardens; ranges from Sulawesi east to the northern Moluccas, New Guinea, and northeastern Australia. Both sexes have a plain olive back, a yellow belly, and white tail edges that are flared out in flight. The male flashes an iridescent blue throat while the female has a yellow throat and eyebrow. In parts of range, female Sahul may be confused with female Black Sunbird; note that species’ unmarked gray head and shorter, less curved bill. Gives a buzzy, twittering song, as well as a rising “dwee”, a familiar sound even in cities. Formerly grouped with other, closely related species under “Olive-backed Sunbird.”

The antithesis of confusing northern gulls, Swallow-tailed is stunning and distinctive. Breeding adults are mostly pearly gray with a black head, red eyering, pinkish legs, and a pale-tipped bill with a white spot at the base. In flight, note striking three-toned wing pattern with gray, white, and black. Nonbreeding adults have a white head with thick black mascara around the eye. Juveniles similar to nonbreeding adults but darker above with a scaly pattern and an entirely dark bill. Breeds on the Galapagos Islands; highly pelagic for the rest of the year, found in offshore waters as far south as central Chile. Not likely to be seen from land. Forages for squid at night.

Little bright yellow bird found in southern Borneo and northern Java. Entirely yellow coloration (no dark lores or gray belly) distinguishes this species from other white-eyes within its range. A coastal forest specialist, found in coastal scrub forest, mangroves, and forest edge, as well as adjacent gardens and plantations, where it often visits planted langsat (or duku) trees. Often found on small offshore islands. Forages actively in the canopy, giving quiet tweeting and cheeping calls; unlike other white-eyes, not a strong songster. Declining across much of range due to habitat destruction and fragmentation.