Gray-hooded Warbler

A large, long-tailed, heavy-billed cuckooshrike. Male has a complete black hood. Female lacks hood, but head is darker gray to blackish, without a clear black throat. Both sexes are largely pale gray above and white-bellied. Singles or pairs inhabit upper levels of forest and edges in lowland and foothills. Confined to the Moluccas. Larger and heavier-billed than Halmahera and Common Cicadabirds, and white belly separates it from those species and from Stout-billed Cuckooshrike. Distinguished from Black-faced Cuckooshrike by the black hood that includes nape and crown. Gives a harsh, accelerating rattle, “grrgrrgrr-grrRT-GRRRT-GRRRT,” and a high-pitched, soft whining “wheeeyoo.”

A large omnivorous species that occupies a wide range of habitats including agricultural fields, but prefers wet upland woods. Appears all black; the namesake white neck feathers are only visible during courtship. Note its bright red eyes. The only other large black species sharing its range is the Palm Crow, which has dark eyes and is a bit smaller. Additionally, the White-necked Crow has a relatively long, pointed bill with limited feathering atop when compared with that of the Palm Crow. This species vocalizations are remarkably parrotlike and rather unlike those of other crows. Calls include an upward inflected, rolling, and drawn out “wreh,” usually given in series as well as a variety of shrill burbling or gobbling sounds.

Odd and distinctive member of the woodpecker family. Shows a rufous throat in all plumages, though reduced in juveniles. The underparts vary geographically: they are completely rufous in Ethiopian birds, and the throat is barred in some populations. Flight is undulating, like a typical woodpecker. Found locally in cultivated areas, gardens, woodland, forest edge, and grassland with some trees. Usually in pairs. Call is a loud, ringing series of “kwee” notes. Similar to Eurasian Wryneck, but easily separated by the rufous throat.