Black-and-buff Woodpecker

Small, attractive tanager; bright crimson and black with a black mask and silver bill. Most commonly found in vegetation around oxbow lakes, also sometimes found in nearby forests and along rivers. Sexes similar though females are slightly duller than males. Extensive crimson and black mask easily distinguish this species from other tanagers within its range.

A typical harrier, with long slender wings and tail and graceful swooping flight. Male has pale gray panels in the wings, while female is browner and more uniform. Found mainly in open habitats, including marsh and montane grassland. Occasionally seen flying over forest. Spends long periods on the wing and is rarely seen perched. Most often confused with Black Kite, but has longer wings, a longer, narrower, and un-forked tail, a white rump, and pale underparts. Coloration overall similar to other raptors like Madagascar Buzzard, but lanky harrier shape is distinctive.

A common, medium-sized honeyeater of montane forest in eastern New Guinea. Gray head and underparts, diffuse rufous-brown back and flanks, with whole body boldly patterned with dark streaks. Long curved bill, pale gray eye and a distinctive pale gray stripe running back from above the eye. Forages out in the open and readily observed. Similar to Gray-streaked but Rufous-backed usually occurs at lower elevation and has a rufous rather than gray back. Common call, a falling then rising “piuuwiiii!”.