Sunda Owlet

Small, inconspicuous bird of coastal swamps and seasonally inundated forests. Yellow crown is essentially impossible to see under most viewing conditions; note dull overall appearance, indistinct wing bars, and longish tail. Inhabits upper levels of tall forest; also occurs in abandoned plantations and other disturbed habitats, where it may be found closer to the ground. Feeds on insects and fruit. Most similar to Greenish Elaenia but has more prominent wing bars; Forest Elaenia is more clean-cut, with a stronger facial pattern and white crown patch. Explosive song is a decelerating cackle; it is distinctive once learned and usually the most reliable indicator of this species’s presence.

An unmistakable dreamlike vision of a bird, whiter than the snowy Antarctic peaks and glaciers against which it flies. Breeds on rocky cliffs and ledges, both coastal and inland, and forages around the pack ice. Frequently lands to rest on icebergs, sometimes in small groups. Flight fast and erratic, often incorporating frequent flapping.

A spectacular red parrot with forest-green wings, thighs, and tail tip. Tail is short and rounded. Most show a yellow patch on the back, but this is absent in the Halmahera form. Adults have a mainly red bill, brownish in immatures. Pairs inhabit forest and edge in lowlands and foothills, but are most abundant in hills. Distinguished from Moluccan King-Parrot by short, rounded tail and red back, and from Violet-necked Lory by lack of extensive dark areas on body. Gives a high-pitched “weee-ooo,” harsh “kraa” notes, and screeches.