Banded Parisoma

A small pale lark with a short, finch-like bill. Usually seen foraging on the ground in open country with shrubs, grasses, and extensive bare soil. Stays low to the ground and runs quickly. The extremely variable song is made up of a long series of phrases containing a mix of many different types of notes, often including imitations of other bird species. Sings shorter song phrases than Turkestan Short-toed Lark, with shorter pauses between them. Visually, can be difficult to separate from Greater Short-toed Lark; best features are the heavily streaked breast and flanks and the lack of a well-defined eyebrow. Also extremely similar to Turkestan Short-toed Lark. Separation in overlap zone is difficult and poorly understood, and is complicated by both geographic and individual variation. Mediterranean is slightly more rufous overall, with broader streaks on the breast.

A spectacular fruit-dove with a large, bright banana yellow patch on its chest and a hot pink patch on its chest and forehead. Otherwise mostly green, aside from yellow undertail. Appears to be more common on smaller atolls. Juvenile resembles the juvenile of Claret-breasted Fruit-Dove, but has yellow barring on the chest instead of a dull claret breast patch. Call is typically a long series of “woot” notes accelerating over time.

An unmistakable, little-known, strikingly patterned small flycatcher confined to the Tanimbar Islands. Male is jet black above with a striking white eyebrow, wing patch, and sides to uppertail. Below, shows a tangerine chest and a white belly. Female is undescribed. Found in understory of forest in both lowland areas and in the foothills. Song is a complex high-pitched warble lasting a few seconds, and rising and falling regularly. Calls include a very high “sweee” and a soft, grating “grrr-it.”