Thick-billed Siskin

Medium-sized antbird of rainforest understory, almost always encountered near swarms of army ants, which it follows to pursue insects flushed by the ants. No similar species in range; key field marks are pale legs and striking bare eyering, which appears white in dim forest understory. Frequently seen perched on vertical stems within a meter of the ground. Usually heard prior to being seen; gives low churring calls while foraging and a sharp doubled note when chasing other birds.

Brightly-colored male has a bright golden belly, a black chest band and head, and a clean white throat. He appears to have a black “shawl” with golden wings and a black tail. Female is considerably duller, being olive-brownish above and yellow below, with a pale throat and brown breast. Endemic to Utupua, in the southeastern Solomons, where it is found in most island habitats, though avoids villages. Voice includes a sequence of sparsely spaced, thin, uninspired whistles. Formerly grouped with Vanikoro Whistler and Nendo Whistler under “Temotu Whistler.”

A small dark starling of dry country. The upperparts are iridescent, with a blue sheen on the head and green on most of the wing. Also note the chestnut underparts and the yellow-orange eye. Found in dry thorn savanna and thorn scrub, usually in small wandering flocks, often with other species of starlings. Similar to Hildebrandt’s Starling, but slightly smaller and darker overall, with a deeper rufous belly and a less contrasting green wing. Also reminiscent of Superb Starling, but doesn’t have a white chest band. Gives mewing calls, often in a long, continuous series.