Ryukyu Minivet

A unique small, colorful fruit-dove confined to Obi island. Pale gray head contrasts with mostly emerald-green body, except for gray markings on the wings and back, a deep maroon belly patch, and a lemon-yellow vent and undertail. An odd, fleshy wattle of protruding yellowish skin above the bill (“caruncles”) is distinctive. Found in canopy of forest, forest edge, and nearby secondary growth in the lowlands. Gives a distinctive soft, deep, guttural call, “gu-rOW,” the first note often soft and hard to hear.

Plain brown flycatcher with a large-eyed appearance. Note bright white eyering and unmarked throat and underparts. Appears shorter- and plainer-winged than other similar brownish flycatchers. Favors broadleaf forests; also found in more open habitats on migration and wintering grounds. Sallies from exposed perches; cocks tail and flicks wings when perched. Song comprises high buzzy trilling and whistles. Calls include dry rattling and chittering.

Small finchlike bird, compact and short-tailed. Generally yellow below and dark blue-black above with stout bill. To identify male euphonias, focus on crown and throat: on Thick-billed, crown is entirely yellow and throat is yellow. Females are extremely difficult to separate from other euphonias, especially Yellow-crowned, but often seen in pairs or small groups with more distinctive males. Frequents open forested habitats, edges, and gardens. Can form mixed feeding flocks with other species such as warblers and tanagers.