Golden-crowned Warbler

Robust, big-headed, and rather short-tailed parrot endemic to Sumba, where it inhabits remnant lowland and foothill forests. Male bright green with red underwings and orange bill, female bright red with dark bill. Usually seen flying above forests at first light, squawking loudly. Calls include an ear-shattering, high-pitched squawk, as well as a lower, rasping caw. Formerly grouped with other closely related species under “Eclectus Parrot.”

Similar and closely related to Striolated Bunting, but separated by range. House Bunting also has deeper rusty underparts and wings, a less striking head pattern, and an unstreaked back compared to Striolated Bunting. Male's grey head and breast contrast sharply with its rusty belly. Found near humans, in settlements, plantations, and gardens; often very tame. Song consists of short, buzzy phrases. Call is a simple “dzwii”, somewhat sparrow-like.

Supreme understory skulker in montane forest, resembling a hybrid between a thrush and babbler. A dull but distinctive-looking bird if seen well, with brown-olive upperparts and rusty underparts, a bold dull blue-gray eye-ring and black-speckled tawny throat. The bill is dark on top and pale underneath. Immature is paler, lacking the spotted throat. Singles or pairs are highly localized residents flicking through leaf litter or following ants in undergrowth of Eastern Arc montane forest, between 900–2700m; shy and hops or runs quickly across the forest-floor, seldom permitting absorbing looks. Thrush-like song is a varied but distinctive shrill series of whistles and slurs. Calls include a single upslurred sweet “seeuuuiit”, and a scratchy “werrrt” in alarm.