Black Hawk-Eagle

A medium-sized prion with a noticeable dark “M'' stretched across their back from wingtip to wingtip noticeable in flight. They breed on Antarctic and subantarctic islands in the South Indian, Southern and South Atlantic Oceans and are widespread and abundant at sea around these areas. Regular visitor to New Zealand and Southern Australia during the austral winter. Very similar to other prion species, especially Salvin’s prion, with the Antarctic prion having a slightly brighter blue bill with straighter sides and a larger nail at the tip.

Unusual dark greenbul with upright posture that does strongly resemble a honeyguide. Males have a white eye and females a dark one. Both sexes show a large white patch in the outer tail. Found in the upper portions of lowland forest. Usually in pairs or small groups. Most often detected by call: a slow series of mewing whistles. Similar to Sjöstedt's Greenbul, but has darker gray underparts, and male further distinguished by its pale eye. Distinguished from honeyguides by its different shape, especially the longer tail. Flight is direct, unlike undulating flight of a honeyguide.

Breeding males are stunning bright yellow with a black back and red head. Females and immature males are duller, sometimes mostly grayish with just faint yellow on the face and undertail coverts. Always note two white wingbars and pale bill. Breeds mainly in coniferous or mixed forests at middle or high elevations. Winters as far south as Central America, where it can be found in any forested habitat. Often stays high in the canopy. Listen for male’s burry song in the spring and summer and short, rising rattle year-round.