Norfolk Island Gerygone

Small and fierce falcon. Dark above and paler below, with streaking on the underparts; darkness of plumage varies geographically. Feeds mainly on birds captured in flight. Found in a variety of habitats from grasslands, open forests, and especially coastal areas with shorebirds. Flies powerfully on pointed wings with quick, continuous wingbeats.

A large forest kingfisher with a dark back, white underparts, and a white eyebrow and collar. Back color is earth-brown in females and tinged with green in males. Juveniles resemble females but show a pale-tipped bill and dark scales on collar and breast. Inhabits forest understory, forest edge, and mangroves in lowlands and hills. White eyebrow and dark-colored upperparts distinguish it from Collared and Sacred Kingfishers. Typical staccato song resembles laughter: “KE-KE-KE-kower--kower---kower,” with the latter part sounding like a descending cackle. Also gives a “wer-wer-wer-wer-wer” as well as agitated, harsh “kip” notes in series.

Scarce and local throughout its range, and rarely encountered. Found in varied scrubby montane habitats, especially Polylepis groves. Feeds in shrubs and on the ground, often in pairs and small groups; associates readily with other siskins. Both sexes resemble the much commoner and more widespread Hooded Siskin (absent in central Chile), but Thick-billed Siskin is stockier with a relatively large, deep bill. Varied songs and calls overall rather similar to other siskins.