Maroon-fronted Parrot

Huge black vanga with a rufous back and an enormous blue bill. Rare and localized Madagascar endemic that is found in northeastern rainforest at low and middle elevations. Usually in the mid-story, perching motionless for long periods. Often joins flocks with other large vangas. Most easily located when nesting in a large mossy cup that is placed on a forking mid-story branch. Song is a long, delicate, high-pitched, slightly descending trill. 

A large, colorful waterbird of wetlands with a purplish-blue body and front of the wings, a dark brown back and back of the wings, white under the base of the tail, and bright red legs, bill, and forehead shield. Somewhat similar to Eurasian Moorhen but larger, blue rather than gray, without the yellow-tipped bill. Juvenile also resembles Plain Bush-hen, but with a larger and thicker bill. Voice includes a harsh croaking “kraak!”

A large and vocal babbler of montane rainforest and shrubby edges. Note warm russet brown upperparts, a white throat blending to pale buff underparts, white-bordered black mask, and bright red bill. Forages actively in the dense midstorey, sometimes in mixed species flocks, and can be difficult to see well. Occasionally descends to the ground to rummage through fallen leaves. Can be readily mistaken for the similar Red-billed Scimitar-Babbler, but note Brown-crowned’s thicker bill and pale buff rather than white chest. Often gives harsh grating or excited chattering calls, as well as soft, oriole-like notes.