Black-crowned Monjita

Dark buttonquail of forested areas with dense layers of leaf litter in southeastern Queensland. Heavily patterned, with pale and dark mark markings below. Female has a mostly black head, heavily marked underparts, and a pale eye (Painted Buttonquail has a red eye); male has paler face, pale eye, and is less richly marked below. When feeding, this species creates deep, circular depressions in the leaf litter; searching for the presence of these depressions is often the best way to locate it. Vocalizations include a repeated clucking call.

Large dark thrush of open forests, gardens, and farms; one of the more common urban birds throughout much of its extensive range. Frequently seen on lawns and fields away from cover, pulling up worms and other invertebrates. Both sexes dark with orange bills, the male black overall, the female dark brown. Sings beautifully from exposed perches throughout the day, a series of loud melodic notes that varies between individuals. Often gives a shrill shriek or a series of “wuk” notes when alarmed or agitated.

Unmistakable ground dove. Brownish above and whitish below. Note the black spotting on the wings and the yellow eye-ring and legs. In flight the tail is V-shaped, with black sides and white tips. Found in grasslands and at the woodland edge, where it feeds on the ground. The song is a series of high-pitched “wha-ooop...wha-ooop...wha-ooop...” notes.