Papuan Nightjar

Uncommon and unobtrusive, this chunky and mostly chestnut-colored bird is unlike any other whistling-thrush. Male has a dark blue head with an iridescent forehead, while the female has a brownish head. Both sexes have an iridescent blue patch on the shoulder which is only occasionally visible. Endemic to Sumatra’s foothill forests (400-1500 meters), often found close to shaded forest streams. Shy, but sometimes perches up on rocks and branches. Gives a loud “nyaaah” and a series of low buzzy notes.

This Myiarchus flycatcher is extremely similar to other members of its genus. Look for the dull brown wings; there is no warm rufous tone at all. It’s a fairly large flycatcher with a rather large bill that usually perches upright. The head has a slight crested appearance. Brown back, paler gray throat, and yellow belly typical of this genus. Usually seen singly or in pairs in shrubby woodlands or open forests, and especially around mangroves. Listen for voice, a descending series of whistles: “pee-pee-pee-pee-pee-pee-pee-pee”.

A small, dull babbler with a short tail. Brown with a gray head and pale underparts. Dark gray crown, faintly streaked breast, and brighter buffy wash on the flanks eliminate similar-looking Abbott’s Babbler. Similarly drab White-chested and Sooty-capped babblers have longer tails and bills. Found in lowland and foothill forests. Typical song is a sharp chip followed by a whistled note or two: “chi puh-weee!”; Javan birds add a longer, ascending whistle to the end.