Black-banded Barbet

Eye-catching medium-sized bulbul, endemic to Java, Sumatra, and Bali, where it inhabits open wooded habitats. Combination of jet-black head, golden-yellow body, and blood-red throat make this species unmistakable. Small crest is often raised, giving the bird a comical triangular-headed appearance. Adults have bright red eyes, whereas juveniles have pale ones. Song is a rather quiet and mellow “wee-dih’deedee!” Unfortunately declining in many areas as a result of the cagebird trade, and is now fairly localized, despite its ability to live in scrubby and degraded areas.

Medium-sized cowbird found at woodland edges, savannas, and agricultural areas. Both sexes are entirely black with a bluish iridescence, except for rufous feathers on the underwing, which are difficult to see. Similar to Shiny Cowbird, but has a thicker bill and is notably less "shiny" that that species.

Striking large laughingthrush of broadleaf hilly and montane forests in central-southern China and far northern Vietnam. Look for bright red wings and tail, pale silver-gray crown and cheek patches, and extensive dark throat and chest. Compare with orange crown, paler whitish cheeks, and less extensive dark throat of Red-tailed Laughingthrush, which overlaps marginally with this species in range, but tends not to occur in the same areas. Shy, often staying in dense bushes; forages in pairs or small flocks close to the ground. Gives a wavering whistle: “dooEEEEooo.”