Yellow-crested Tanager

A large, dark sunbird that is usually found near the coast, although inland populations exist locally, perhaps most notably in Angola. Occurs in a variety of disturbed and edge habitats as well as in swamps and coastal woods. Males are overall chocolate-brown with iridescent purple-pink throats and foreheads, while females are a much paler olive-brown with noticeably darker throats. Bill is relatively straight. Distinguished from the smaller and more compact Green-throated Sunbird by its larger size, its small purple throat and crown, and the female’s dark throat. Calls include liquid “pip” notes and buzzy trills, with songs comprising variable combinations of these notes.

A fairly large, long-tailed bird of lowland and low-elevation montane forest. Brown on the back, with barred wings, a white undertail, a yellow bill with blue at the base, and blue bare skin around the eye. Female has mustard-yellow underparts and an olive-brown head, whereas the spectacular male has a black head, a pink chest, and a red belly. Unmistakable. The only species of trogon in the Philippines. Song is a descending series that first accelerates, then decelerates.

Rare and declining sparrow found in longleaf pine woodlands with grassy or brushy undergrowth. Usually quite secretive. Look for unstreaked grayish-tan underparts, rufous and gray pattern on back and wings, and rufous cap and eyeline. Similar to Cassin's and Botteri's Sparrow but no range or habitat overlap. Population west of Mississippi River brighter buffy below. Usually found singly. Easiest to detect when singing; listen for two-parted song, a thin whistle followed by a musical junco-like trill. Subsequent phrases usually differ in pitch.