Forbes's Forest Rail

Small drab Javan endemic. Generally local and uncommon in declining lowland forest and forest edge habitats. Unremarkable in appearance; note pointy pink-based bill, broad mid-length tail, unmarked orange-yellow breast, and gray cheek. Often in pairs or small groups close to the ground or at mid-level, engaging in the probing and flipping of leaves typical of tit-babblers. Song a barbet-like “dok dok dok dok dok dok”; calls include a husky “djew”, a squeaky “chewee”, and a short, dry chatter.

Namesake white wing bars make this prinia relatively distinctive. Also note white throat, pale yellow belly, and black-and-white tips to tail feathers. Endemic to Java, Sumatra, and some smaller adjacent islands. Inhabits scrubby habitats, such as farm field edges and old plantations, as well as mangroves. Often seen in low vegetation, but forages at all levels of habitat. Sometimes forms small flocks outside the breeding season. Song is a twanging, repetitive “chwet-chwet-chwet” or “cheweet-cheweet-cheweet”. Calls include a sharp “chwit” and a harsh, nasal “jee!”

Small bird with thin pointed bill, found in eucalypt forests and woodlands habitats of southwestern Australia. Uniformly grayish brown above (including tail), pale below, with pale eye and warm brown forehead with faint pale scalloping. Forages in small flocks in understory bushes and also on the ground.