Flores Shortwing

Distinctive small swallow with blue-black upperparts, a big white rump patch, and snow-white underparts. Juvenile in late summer and autumn is duller above and dingier below than adult. Compare with other swallows; note the relatively shallowly forked and streamerless tail, as well as jerky and fluttery flight. In east of range, overlaps with very similar Siberian House-Martin (formerly treated as one species); note present species’ significantly smaller rump patch. Breeds colonially, frequently building mud nests under the eaves of buildings; forages over varied open and semi-open habitats, especially water bodies and adjacent fields. Gives a soft burbling trill.

Rare and localized highland finch, restricted to upper montane forest and open scrubby and grassy habitats above the treeline. Generally not very obvious, often foraging quietly in dense growth, but flocks will sometimes betray their presence by flying overhead and giving a chorus of chittering twitter calls. Found only on high peaks in Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi. Combination of thick conical bill, bright yellow wing-bars, and well-streaked underparts are unique within this species’ range and habitat. A currently undescribed population in north-central Sulawesi has reddish-orange in place of other populations’ yellow patches. Song is a dry, whirring buzz following a few husky notes.

A spectacular cuckooshrike that resembles an oriole, with a yellow-green back, wings and tail, a dark head and bill, and large fleshy orange wattles under the eyes. The sexes differ: the underparts of the male are apricot and those of the female are yellow; she also has a less contrasting brownish head. Juvenile is like the female but barred above, with a less distinct head pattern. A rare bird found singly and in pairs in the canopy of primary and secondary lowland forest, often near water. Moves stealthily through the canopy, where it joins mixed-species parties; flight call is a thrush-like “tsik.” Differs from forest orioles by having a dark (not red) bill and fleshy wattles under the eyes.