Unicolored Thrush

Small yellowish warbler-like bird with a self-conflicting name, found only on the islands of Rendova and Tetepare in the South New Georgia Group of islands, in the west-central Solomons. Formerly considered the same species as Solomons White-eye. Note present species’ lack of any white around the eye, as well as its pale off-white belly. Song, an up-and-down series, averages higher-pitched than that of Solomons White-eye, and includes various cheeping, whistled, and hoarser notes. Calls include sparrow-like chirps.

A compact raptor endemic to New Zealand, with streaky cream-and-brown breast and reddish-brown undertail. In flight, note rapid beating of long pointed wings, and long rounded tail shape while gliding. Females are much larger than males. Widely distributed throughout New Zealand in native and exotic forest, as well as in tussock grassland and farmland. Will aggressively dive-bomb intruders close to nesting sites. Distinctive “kek-kek-kek” call given during attacks. Similar to Swamp Harrier but smaller; rarely feeds on road kill, actively chases prey, and glides with wings set flat rather than a shallow “V” shape like the Swamp Harrier.

Small, brownish bird with a long, spiky tail. Inhabits grassland and dense scrub at high elevations from western Venezuela to northern Argentina; southern populations were formerly split as Puna Canastero. Rather nondescript; plain brown underparts and dark streaks on upperparts help distinguish it from other similar canasteros. Also note some rufous in wings and tail. Sometimes shows tiny orange chin patch. Forages on the ground, where it is hard to see, but occasionally ascends to a more open perch to rest or sing. Song is a fast, high pitched, rattling trill, starting a bit slower and accelerating.