Mourning Sierra Finch

A rare medium-sized owl of remnant broadleaf forest on Camiguin Island. Uniformly barred, with a brown head and upperparts, a pale bar behind the shoulder, warmer brown underparts, long whiskers around the face, and pale yellow eyes. Note the white throat patch. Song is a rapid series of fairly low “woop” notes, sometimes given in duet. White throat particularly noticeable when calling.

A very small, tame owl of wooded habitats that is active both day and night. Depending on attitude, its staring yellow eyes and prominent arched white eyebrows can impart cuteness or ferocity. Often found perched with tail cocked, and when flushed, typically flies only a short distance on rounded wings. Occurs in two color types, gray and rust. Song is a low whistled “whuh” or “hoo” given in a slow series. Other vocalizations include a high, thin whistled “tsee, tsee-tsee-tsee-tsee-tsee” that grows progressively louder, and a series of high squeaks. No similar species within its range.

Handsome, mostly silvery gray bird of tropical lowland forest and adjacent semi-open areas with taller trees. Usually found at mid-upper levels of fruiting trees, sometimes in small groups that mix readily with the commoner Masked Tityra. Black-crowned is told from slightly larger Masked by its solidly black bill. Male is more silvery overall, with a black cap; female had brown face and smaller black cap. Tityras nest in tree cavities, that they sometimes steal from woodpeckers.