Black-chested Jay

A large cold-toned warbler with grayish-brown upperparts, yellowish-buff underparts, and variably white wings and tail. Irregular whitening of wings and tail give it a messy appearance. Found primarily in patches of tall forest, avoiding open areas. Voice is a harsh, scolding “chak, chak.” Does not sing.

Incredibly elusive ground bird, restricted to a tiny range in southern Western Australia, where it inhabits dense forests with heavy understory and abundant leaf litter. Nondescript plumage, mostly brown above, olive-brown below, with pale throat and fine dark vermiculation in wings, back, and flanks. Adult male has some black markings in lower throat and upper breast. More likely to be heard than seen. Most easily distinguished from Western Bristlebird by call. Male’s loud, diverse song repertoire includes long sequences of sharp, clear, musical notes.

Dumpy and broad-tailed warbler, warm brown above and pale grayish below, with a narrow eyebrow. Can be quite inconspicuous in dense vegetation. On breeding grounds, favors tangled vegetation near water, including reedy marshes with bushes and scrub. Often heard but rarely seen. Explosive, rich staccato song often draws attention: oftentimes, a bird sings once from cover, then moves to another concealed spot and sings once again, not the persistent singing from a single perch that typifies many warblers. Winters in a range of habitats with dense vegetation, including drier areas. Calls include a sharp “pik!”, a lower “chup”, and a dry rattle comparable to that of a sparrow.