Mussau Fantail

Generally uncommon and fairly local small diving duck. Frequents lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Shy, often found alone or in small groups; frequently kept in European waterfowl collections. Both sexes have bushy crest. Striking male mostly white with black face mask and fine black lines on sides of breast and flanks. Female has dark rusty brown head with big white throat and cheek patch. In flight appears strikingly black-and-white.

Robust, big-headed, and rather short-tailed parrot endemic to the Moluccas, where it inhabits lowland and foothill forests. Male bright green with red underwings and orange bill, female bright red with violet belly and dark bill. Usually seen flying above forests at first light, squawking loudly. Calls include an ear-shattering, high-pitched squawk, as well as a lower, crow-like caw. Formerly grouped with other closely related species under “Eclectus Parrot.”

An entirely blackish short-tailed crow. Has a subtle purplish sheen that is visible in only certain lighting conditions. Juveniles lack purple gloss. Inhabits forest, edge, and plantations in the lowlands and foothills. Singles, pairs, or small groups can be found in the canopy. Recently described from Seram, and perhaps also occurs on Ambon and Buru. Unmistakable, being the only crow on these islands. Gives an odd call for a crow: a nasal, trumpeting “errr.” Gives more crow-like sounds too, but higher-pitched than many sounds of the family, including a high-pitched, guttural “kreh-kreh…”.