Capuchin Babbler

Tiny and active sunbird of forest edges, parks, and gardens; ranges from Sulawesi east to the northern Moluccas, New Guinea, and northeastern Australia. Both sexes have a plain olive back, a yellow belly, and white tail edges that are flared out in flight. The male flashes an iridescent blue throat while the female has a yellow throat and eyebrow. In parts of range, female Sahul may be confused with female Black Sunbird; note that species’ unmarked gray head and shorter, less curved bill. Gives a buzzy, twittering song, as well as a rising “dwee”, a familiar sound even in cities. Formerly grouped with other, closely related species under “Olive-backed Sunbird.”

A sleek inhabitant of wooded areas that ventures into gardens and parks searching for flowers and fruit; prefers areas with palms. The adult is distinctively all black except for its yellow vent, rump, and shoulders. No similar species occur within its range. Immatures are yellow to yellow-orange and resemble immature Baltimore Orioles, but have thicker and blacker bill and lack the white wingbars seen on Baltimore Orioles. Full song is fluid series of whistled upslurred and down-slurred notes. Calls include a buzzy “zzwhi” and an emphatic “tchu.”

Small ovenbird species with brown streaks above and faded buff-streaks below. Note the rufous forehead and white eyebrow and throat. Usually seen in pairs on the edge of woodlands and open areas like savannas, grasslands, and pastures near farms where it builds huge stick/thorn nests. The song, normally delivered as a duet, is a series of fast trilled notes.