New Zealand Kaka

Dull sparrow lacking distinctive patterns. Found in grasslands with scattered bushes. Generally grayish-brown with barely noticeable blurry streaks on breast and sides, thin white eyering, and pale edges on wing feathers. Back is patterned with rufous and black. Very diffuse head pattern. Most similar to Botteri's Sparrow; where range overlaps, look for Cassin's smaller bill, thin white eyering, and voice. Gives a pleasant musical song; a few varied notes followed by four whistles on different pitches "see-soo, see-say."

Small, unmistakable swallow of lowland rivers. Glossy black plumage, appearing metallic blue in good light, with bright white chest band is unique. Deeply forked tail is easy to see in flight. Almost always in pairs or groups, and can be particularly common in areas with high exposed banks, where the species nests. Frequently perches on bare branches and snags along the edges of rivers.

This drab tanager-like sparrow is common and noisy in its limited range, often parading around in rambunctious flocks. Sexes are similar: olive above and gray below with a stout bill and reddish or pale eyes. Lack of yellow anywhere on the underparts helps separate it from other chlorospingus. Occurs in cloud forest and edges from around 700–2200 m. Small groups typically move through the understory and middle levels, occasionally straying into the canopy. Frequently follows mixed-species flocks. Listen for its piercing squeaks and chips, sometimes accelerating into a messy chatter.