Sunda Minivet

Medium to large woodcreeper of humid evergreen and pine-evergreen forest in highlands and foothills. Feeds at all levels on trunks and larger branches, often at bromeliads. Straightish and rather stout bill is dark above and pale below. Note the pale buff spectacles and distinct pale spotting and scalloping on head, breast, and back (populations south of western Honduras lack spotting on back.)

Dark-bodied munia, endemic to New Ireland, in the Bismarck Archipelago; also introduced to the Micronesian island of Pohnpei, where it is now quite common. Like many other munias, typically encountered in flocks foraging in grasslands, agricultural fields, and weedy roadsides. Adult’s combination of mottled white head, dark chocolate body, and rufous rump and tail is unique; immature, with its dark cinnamon body and messy brown head, can be confused with New Ireland Munia, but note present species’ dark breast. Gives mellow whistled notes, peeps, and pips.

Small, distinctive boobook with extensive chestnut-brown barring. Favors surviving primary rainforest, but can sometimes be found in secondary growth; can be found on roadsides through suitable habitat when hunting. The only resident owl on the island; the migratory Northern Boobook is a winter visitor to the island, and is significantly larger and much darker overall, with an all-brown head and brown-striped white underparts. Present species gives an odd, distorted-sounding “qwr-qwerk.” Begging birds give a shrill trill. Unfortunately, like many other Christmas Island species, has suffered declines due to the introduced yellow crazy ant, which has caused the owl to disappear from parts of its range.