White-chested Babbler

Endemic to Java, where it is the only frogmouth. Fairly typical-looking small frogmouth, with brown plumage broken up by white patches and pale barring on the tail. Readily separated from nightjars by its upright pose and forward-facing eyes, and from owls by its bristly “whiskered” face, lack of a facial disc, large broad-based bill, and long tail. Inhabits a wide range of wooded habitats from lowlands up into montane foothills, from dense rainforests to the edges of large plantations with suitable tall growth. Nocturnal, and can be difficult to spot on day roost. Gives a variety of calls, including a series of descending whistles, a high-pitched growl followed by a strangled whistle, and short, grating screams.

A small swallow with white underparts and dark blue upperparts. The tail shows an unusual pattern: a dark rim around large white panels both above and below. Found very locally in southern Ethiopia in open thorn savanna, in areas with many large termite mounds. Often in pairs. Similar to Gray-rumped Swallow, but easily separated by the white in the tail. Could be confused with Common House Martin, but has white in the tail rather than a bold rump patch.  

Anis are bizarre, coal-black cuckoos with long floppy tails and unique, curiously tall, flattened bills. Smooth-billed occurs in a variety of open and semi-open habitats in tropical lowlands and foothills, typically staying low in shrubs and grasses. Gregarious and not particularly graceful; usually seen crashing around awkwardly in small groups. Flies with choppy wingbeats and long glides. Widespread and common throughout much of South America and the Caribbean, extending as far west as the Pacific slope of Costa Rica and north to Florida. Compare with the very similar Groove-billed Ani, which overlaps in some areas of Central and South America. Note especially the bill shape: Smooth-billed often (but not always) has a taller ridge on the top of the bill, and a sharper angle on the lower edge of the bill. The sides are typically smooth, rarely with weak grooves. Voice is also important: listen for a rising, hawklike whistle with an inflection at the end. Dark eye, size, and habitat help separate from Greater Ani in South America and Panama.