Lesser Moorhen

A medium-sized swiftlet with a relatively long forked tail. Mostly brown with very slightly paler brown underparts and a more golden-brown rump and collar. Most common over rocky riverine valleys and humid forests. Similar to Atiu Swiftlet but is less contrastingly patterned, overall more uniformly brown, with a paler rump and a proportionally longer tail. Also extremely similar to Polynesian Swiftlet, but appears darker-faced and more obviously golden-collared. Vocally similar to Polynesian Swiftlet, with a voice consisting of insect-like buzzing and trilling.

Large, stocky tanager. Males are red with dusty wash on upperparts and sides (especially on northern populations); females are muted yellowish. Both sexes are brightest on the throat and crown. Also note stout bill and dark lores. Several separate populations occur from the southwestern U.S. to South America, probably comprising multiple different species. Northern birds prefer mountainous areas with mixed pine-oak forest. South American birds found in a variety of forested habitats, from open woodlands in the lowlands to scrubby areas in the high Andes. Most similar to Summer Tanager, but grayer tones to plumage and usually different habitat. Song is sweet like American Robin: mostly clear phrases with some hoarser notes.

A thick-set flycatcher with bicolored plumage, dark above and white below. Body darker than grayish head. White of underparts often extends above the bill base. Juvenile entirely rufous; while gaining dark feathers, can look messy and mottled. Found in native forest, often in undergrowth, especially in small wet steep valleys. Voice reportedly a raucous, chattering “ter whik whik whik.”