Rarotonga Starling

This striking lapwing is best identified by its long yellow wattles, white belly, and gray head split down the center by a broad white crown stripe. In flight, the distinctive wings are almost entirely white with black tips. It prefers breeding and foraging on large permanent rivers with extensive sand banks but will also wander to smaller streams and pans. It utters a loud “kriiip” call when alarmed or defending its territory. The similar Wattled Lapwing differs from White-headed Lapwing by having a dark belly and red-based wattles.

A small dark tern which appears grayish-black and extremely slender. Very similar to Black and Brown Noddies, but the Lesser Noddy has a very thin bill, is somewhat paler gray overall, and has gray between the bill and the eyes. The flight is fast and graceful, and it often mixes with other terns. Often found offshore, not far from islands in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean.

A relatively small, uniformly dark brown eagle with a contrasting bright-yellow bare patch between the eye and the bill. The underparts are speckled with small white spots. In flight, the wings have narrow black-and-white bands and the tail has thick black bands. Juvenile similar to adult, but with a pale, cream-colored head. Often seen perched in trees under the canopy, from where it watches for small prey. Calls delivered in a series of 4-5 short, chirp-like whistles.