Buru Honeyeater

A small, grayish-brown hornbill with a pale brow, an obvious casque above the bill (larger in males), and a dual-toned black-and-yellow bill. In flight, note the pale edges on the wings and tail, as well as long central tail feathers. When flying, beats its wings rapidly followed by a short glide. Prefers open woodlands, plantations, gardens, and parks in cities where it feeds on large, fruiting trees. Usually seen in pairs or small groups. The calls include a series of short “kek-kek-kek” notes given in flight and a squealing, hawklike high-pitched “kieeeeu” when perched.

Breeding males are stunning bright yellow with a black back and red head. Females and immature males are duller, sometimes mostly grayish with just faint yellow on the face and undertail coverts. Always note two white wingbars and pale bill. Breeds mainly in coniferous or mixed forests at middle or high elevations. Winters as far south as Central America, where it can be found in any forested habitat. Often stays high in the canopy. Listen for male’s burry song in the spring and summer and short, rising rattle year-round.

Small, long-tailed, mostly black guineafowl with a white ruff around the neck and a bare red head. Found on the ground in lowland rainforest. Generally rare and local. Usually in groups, which range from small to fairly large. The common call is a repeated, agitated “kyeek.” Also gives a descending trilled call. Similar to other guineafowl, but easily separated by the white neck.