Pohnpei Lorikeet

This dashing medium-sized tit can be found in broadleaf and mixed hill forests, as well as adjacent parks and gardens. Utterly unmistakable, with a bright yellow face and nape, which contrast smartly with a black crest, throat, and breast. Wings are gray and black with white spots and bars. Gregarious; often in small flocks of its own species or with large mixed feeding flocks. Song is a bright, repetitive “chew-wee-ee, chew-wee-ee, chew-wee-ee.” Calls vary, but usually incorporate several sharp notes and one or two lower, buzzier notes.

A species of higher elevation woodlands where it is often found feeding high in the trees, even near the forest canopy, rather unlike other blackbird species. Indeed, any blackbird found foraging within Jamaica’s upper elevation forests is very likely this species. Its plumage is all black, its tail is short, and the bill is moderately long and slim. The similar Shiny Cowbird has a shorter, stouter bill and a longer tail. The Greater Antillean Grackle is larger, longer-tailed, and has a pale (not dark) eye. The song is a wheezy “whee-whee-oooo” and variations thereof; common call is emphatic, squeaky “wheet.”

A squat and rotund bush-quail. Males have a dull chestnut forecrown and face, a thin white eyebrow over a dark brown eyeline that broadens behind the eye. Lightly barred brown above and boldly barred in black and white below. Females have a similar but duller head pattern with vinaceous underparts without barring. Note the slaty gray bill and orange legs. Found in pairs or family groups in dry rocky areas with scrub. Secretive, but its musical trill followed by rapidly ascending piping notes is often heard.