Jet Manakin

A small, pale-faced shearwater with the separation line between black and white on the face passing through or above the eye. Mainly sedentary and relatively shy, feeding farther offshore than similar seabirds. Winter breeding birds mainly found around the Kermadec Islands, off southwest Australia, and off the northeastern coast of the North Island of New Zealand. The Fluttering Shearwater can be distinguished by its larger size, smudgy brown underwing, dark face, and tendency to congregate in flocks much closer to shore.

Dwarfed by shrikes and thrushes, this tiny raptor looks almost parakeet-like as it perches on exposed branches. Coloration distinctive: birds are black above with a white chest and rusty orange belly. Black forehead “earmuffs” are unique among the region’s raptors. Inhabits lowland and foothill forests, where it is generally fairly uncommon. Rather social for a raptor, often seen preening and feeding together in small flocks.

A very plain leaf warbler found in a variety of wooded and scrubby habitats, often near water. Best identified by voice: song is a slightly jerky double-noted chiff-chaff, chiff-chaff..., very different from song of the similar Willow Warbler. Relative to Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff is often duller, more brownish overall with weaker pale eyebrow, dark legs, and tends to habitually dip its tail. Also similar to Booted and Sykes’s Warbler, but these are browner toned with darkish legs and bill.