Oleaginous Hemispingus

Handsome bird which looks like a slender thrush. Black-and-white male is distinctive, with a white brow, extensive white wing patches, and clean white underparts. Female and juvenile are grungier-looking, with gray-brown replacing much of the black and rather dingy, dirty-looking underparts. Inhabits lowland and foothill forests, parks, and gardens. Contrary to its name, this bird does not usually trill; rather, it gives a range of low notes, particularly a nasal “checka-checkuh” and a rapid series of rattling, clacking, or whistled notes.

Small, dark gray bird of highland forest. Gray plumage is set off by chestnut undertail coverts and black mask and chin, which contrast with the pale silvery bill. Distinctive bill shape can be difficult to discern at a distance. Found only at high elevations (above 1000 m) in the tepui highlands, where it is a locally fairly common resident of humid forest and scrub. In taller forest, it is generally in the canopy but may occasionally descend into the understory. Often observed at fruiting and flowering trees and shrubs, where it plucks fruit and pierces into the bases of flowers to drink nectar. Also follows mixed-species flocks. Unusual song is a mix of high peeping and harsh grating notes; the peeping notes are also given as a contact call. Considerably larger than other flowerpiercers, and unlikely to be mistaken for other species in its limited range.

Small bird with heavy streaking and long cocked tail. Olive-brown overall with pale throat. Inhabits dense heath, grasslands, and salt marsh. Forages quietly on the ground or in thick vegetation, where difficult to see. Easiest to observe when males sing in spring, as they perch up in the vegetation. Tasmania and in coastal areas between Adelaide and Sydney.