Eastern Wattled-Honeyeater

A medium-sized songbird endemic to New Zealand, confined to predator-free offshore islands and South Island mainland sanctuaries. Glossy black plumage with distinct chestnut saddle across the back, which gives the bird its name. Note the bright reddish-orange wattles on either side of the bill. Juveniles have smaller wattles and are chocolate brown for their first year. Listen for distinct calls resembling a blaring “cheeet ta-chet ta-chet ta-chet” sound. Constantly moves noisily as it restlessly forages on the floor and through the canopy. Flicks over leaves and digs into rotting logs with its strong bill in search of invertebrates. Distinguished from Eurasian Blackbird by chestnut saddle and wattles.

Male’s bright red head, breast, and back makes him unmistakable. Female is brownish above and pale below, with a red rump; can be similar to female Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker, but note Scarlet-headed’s grayer tones overall, especially on the flanks (female Scarlet-backed has pale buff or faded yellowish flanks). A common sight in lowland and lower foothills, where it inhabits gardens, cultivated areas, forest edge, and open or degraded forests. Song is a quiet series of very high tinkling notes; most common call is a short buzzy “bzzt”.

Handsome and well-named large babbler with a snow-white “bib.” Also note blue facial skin and bright chestnut back. Crown is brownish on birds from western Java, and grayish on those from central and eastern Java. Despite large size and bright colors, can be quite skulky and difficult to see well. Hops and clambers about in dense bushes and vines in foothill forests, typically in mid-sized groups, giving dry churring rattles. Also gives a short, fluty-sounding whistle.