Gray-crowned Prinia

Black cacique with a creamy white bill. Forages in dense waterside vegetation around oxbow lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. Dark eye distinguishes it from similar Ecuadorian and Yellow-billed Caciques, which have light eyes. Entirely black plumage distinguishes it from other caciques; habitat is another good clue. Larger and lankier with a longer bill than other blackbirds, like Giant Cowbird and Pale-eyed Blackbird.

An unusual and beautiful bird that is rarely seen, even by those expressly looking for it. Note the buffy underparts, green back, red undertail, and bold facial pattern. Found on the floor of forest and dense thicket. Very shy, remaining motionless for long periods. At least some populations are migratory within Africa. The call is an explosive, liquid “phwit.” Can only be confused with Green-breasted Pitta, but separated by the lack of a dark-green breast.

Vibrantly beautiful small lorikeet with a bright red bill and extensive golden-yellow “scaling” on the breast. Leaf-green back separated sharply from yellow head by a vertical dark bar. Large, pale bare patch around the eye give this parrot a somewhat “crazy” expression. Endemic to the Sula Archipelago, where it wanders foothill forests and more open areas in flocks, often gathering at fruiting and flowering trees. Bright yellow markings and overall shape distinguish this species from racquet-tails, hanging-parrots, and Tanygnathus parrots. Gives high-pitched shrieking calls. Formerly lumped in with Yellow-cheeked Lorikeet under the name “Yellow-and-green Lorikeet.”