Tasmanian Boobook

A medium-sized typical ‘double-collared’ sunbird. Larger and longer-billed than similar-plumaged Western Miombo Sunbird (and ranges hardly overlap); Eastern Miombo male has broader red breast band, darker gray belly, and less prominent yellow wingpit tufts. Female and immature have a gray-brown head, pale gray throat, and pale lemon breast and belly. Singles and pairs are residents and nomads in Miombo woodland, gallery forest, arid savanna, and other woodland. Sings a slower, louder, less rambling song than Western Miombo Sunbird that does not end in a long descending trill.

Spectacular forest-dweller with blood-red eyes, endemic to Palawan and surrounding smaller islands. Stunning male is decked out in midnight black and electric blue. Female is dark turquoise with dark wingtips. Gathers at fruiting and flowering trees. Frequently gives rising “wit!” notes, often in bursts of three, as well as incorporating them into short, melodious song.

This brilliant gem of a bird is, like most pittas, exceedingly shy and difficult to see as it forages on the forest floor. Listen for its song, a long, slightly broken whistle. If seen, its combination of bright red crown, deep purplish-blue back, and sparkling blue wing coverts are diagnostic. Favors wet lowland and lower foothill forests with a dense understory; can occasionally be found in low-quality secondary or modified habitats.