Bougainville Thicketbird

Chunky large orangish kingfisher with an oversized head and a scarlet dagger of a bill. No other large kingfisher in its range has dark brown wings. Bright blue-green rump patch most obvious in flight. Restricted to coastal habitats such as mangroves and estuaries. Gives loud, fluid-sounding whistles as well as harsh grating rattles.

Large and chunky blue, black, and white kingfisher. Found in rainforest, gallery forest, and thick woodland, mostly in the subcanopy and mid-story. Generally shy and usually detected by voice: an introductory whistle, followed after a pause by a mournful, slightly descending series of “chiew” notes. Similar to Woodland Kingfisher, but separated by its larger size, black patch on the back, blue on the breast, black line behind the eye, and preference for thicker habitats.

Colorful, boldly marked bunting. Note the white eyebrow, broad black face mask, dark back with two white wingbars, and yellow underparts. Males and females are similar, though females are duller, especially on the face. The birds in the southeastern part of the range have a white stripe through the center of the crown, while elsewhere the crown is completely black. Generally uncommon and local in lush woodland, savanna, and forest edge. The loud song consists of up-and-down whistles and trills. Similar to other yellow-breasted buntings, but easily separated by the solidly black ear patch.