Black-chested Honeyeater

A large glossy-black starling with a graduated, pointed tail and brick-red windows in the wings that are striking in flight. The male and female have black and gray heads respectively. Pairs and flocks prefer rocky outcrops and gorges, but have adapted to buildings in urban areas; they avoid forests. The species gives a characteristic loud liquid oriole-like “wher-teooo” contact call and other musical whistles and warbles. It is often the default “red-winged” starling within its range, where it is most easily confused with Slender-billed Starling, but the latter’s weaker bill and longer graduated tail identify it.

Medium-sized parrot of mid-elevation cloud forest. Plumage is green with red vent, blue breast, and dark blue forecrown. Red bill is usually evident on perched birds, but can be hard to see in flight. Eyering is gray or white and rather indistinct in much of its range. In flight, note deep wingbeats: wingtips almost touch on the downward stroke. Typically encountered in small flocks of up to 10 or 15 birds, occasionally more. Feeds on fruit in the forest canopy.

An entirely blackish short-tailed crow. Has a subtle purplish sheen that is visible in only certain lighting conditions. Juveniles lack purple gloss. Inhabits forest, edge, and plantations in the lowlands and foothills. Singles, pairs, or small groups can be found in the canopy. Recently described from Seram, and perhaps also occurs on Ambon and Buru. Unmistakable, being the only crow on these islands. Gives an odd call for a crow: a nasal, trumpeting “errr.” Gives more crow-like sounds too, but higher-pitched than many sounds of the family, including a high-pitched, guttural “kreh-kreh…”.