Tanimbar Friarbird

Large, distinctive corvid, roughly the size of a Eurasian Jay. Note the long and heavy bill, white-flecked face, and black cap. Note white-spotted dark brown back and sides. Short tail, white vent, and white tail markings evident during undulating, woodpecker-like flight. Inhabits coniferous and mixed forests, from lowlands up into high montane forests. Often stores nuts for the winter. Mostly resident but large numbers may irrupt periodically out of the normal range in response to food shortages. Gives a variety of calls, especially during the breeding season, including harsh grating rasps, as well as quieter “mumbling” calls and mimicry. Formerly grouped with Southern Nutcracker under the more generic “Eurasian Nutcracker.”

Dull manakin of seasonally flooded swamp forest in Amazonian lowlands. Male is less colorful than most manakins, with brown upperparts, cinnamon underparts, and a white throat; his orange crown is usually hidden and not often seen in the field. Female is duller; she is mostly olive-brown with a pale throat and face, and lacks a crown patch. Usually seen at lower to middle levels of forest along streams and lakes. Typical song is a rapid trill with undulating pitch.

Ebony head and snowy throat, combined with the hazy mixture of bright orange and black on the back, give this bird a distinctly “tortoiseshell” appearance. Appears larger-headed and slightly shorter-tailed than other sibias. Inhabits foothill and montane forests, where it travels in pairs and flocks through the canopy. Unlike other sibias, frequently clambers around on tree trunks and branches like a nuthatch. Listen for its lovely warbled song and buzzy chattering calls.