Papuan Whipbird

A distinctive small black, white, and red honeyeater with a downcurved bill. Jet black with diagnostic red patches on rear crown, throat, and rump, as well as a clean white belly. The black areas are gray on juveniles. Singles or pairs found in forest, forest edge, and scrub within the lowlands and foothills on Timor. Unmistakable in its limited range. Simple, very high-pitched song consists of rapid-fire notes, “si-si-si-si-si-si-si”; also gives “zit” call notes.

Brilliantly colored small partridge of montane and foothill forests. Often difficult to see in the gloom and tangle of shaded vegetation, but note slate-gray back and chest, rusty belly, and bright orange-and-black face pattern. Like other Arborophila partridges, typically forages on the forest floor in small groups. Song is a fast and gradually rising series of “whew” notes; when duetting, one bird gives the aforementioned song while its partner gives a slower, lower-pitched “boo-goo, boo-goo, boo-goo.”

Distinctive large waterbird, much larger than a moorhen. Deep purplish-blue overall with a very stout red bill, reddish legs, and a white undertail patch. Juvenile duller overall, mostly grayish. Native to the western Mediterranean, but has turned up in northern Europe as well. Inhabits freshwater and brackish marshes, clambering among tall reeds and rushes; also feeds at edges, even out in adjacent wet fields. Very vocal, giving a wide variety of grunting and squealing calls. Formerly part of the species known as Purple Swamphen.