Halmahera Boobook

A conspicuous blackbird of open country in western Ecuador, western Peru, and far southwestern Colombia. Most common at lower elevations, but also reaches some higher Andean valleys. Plumage is all black, and in bright light it may show a slight bluish sheen. Very similar to male Shiny Cowbird but larger, with a longer bill and usually less iridescent feathers. Song is a series of loud whistles, usually given from an exposed perch; may hold head vertically and bob up and down while singing.

Medium-sized brown bird with a long, spiky tail. Found in a wide variety of moist and woody habitats, including rainforest, wet scrub, plantations, and gardens. Absent or very local in much of west and southwest Madagascar. Skulks in thick undergrowth. Incessantly given call is a Geiger counter-like ticking. Darker brown than Subdesert Brush-Warbler, with a lower-pitched call and little overlap in range. Similar to Madagascar Swamp-Warbler, but has less distinct breast streaking and white eyebrow, and is generally found in scrub rather than marsh.

Large, long-billed brown thrush with extensive black scales all over the body, and rich buff underparts. A very secretive, terrestrial species that frequents the understory of wet forests of lowlands and mountains. Most often encountered in the foothills, foraging along forest tracks. Told from female Pied and Spot-winged Thrushes by presence of extensive black markings on the upperparts, and rich buff coloration to the underparts. Heard mainly at dawn and dusk. Mournful, unobtrusive song a series of downslurred whistles: “cheeew-chew-lew”, with emphasis on first note, and rapid final two notes. Calls include a barely-audible, high-pitched, short, sharp “tsit” notes.