South Island Saddleback

Small, widespread nightjar of drier inland areas, from woodlands to deserts. Fairly common in inland Australia. Primarily gray-brown with reddish-brown collar and extensive spots and barring. In flight, all-dark tail and prominent pale spots on outer wing visible. Most commonly seen when flushed from road at night. Song is an eerie wail that ascends in pitch and finishes in crescendo.

Fairly common and widespread swift of foothills and highlands; also ranges regularly to lowlands. About the size of a Chimney Swift, but typically has a slightly notched tail. Slightly larger and longer winged than Vaux’s Swift with stronger flight and more prolonged gliding. Usually seen in flocks, often associating with swallows and other swifts. Looks black unless seen at close range, when dark rusty collar may be visible (immature birds lack collar). Also note the voice: a crackling, buzzy chatter that sounds like electricity passing through wires.

Typical tit, with a black, white, and gray pattern. The black bib continues as a dark stripe down the center of the underparts. There are white edgings on much of the wing and the outer tail. Found in miombo broadleaf woodland. Usually in pairs or small groups, and readily joins mixed-species flocks. Gives typical tit vocalizations including the classic “dree di-di-di” call and other whistled and chatty calls. Overlaps slightly in range with the similar Ashy Tit, but has a paler wing and underparts, and different habitat.