Black-headed Hemispingus

A beautiful and restricted bowerbird of lower montane forest of the Adelberg Range. Mainly black plumage with a large yellow patch in the wing and a bright orange crest stretching from the forehead down to the lower back. Female, brown back with barred belly. Often seen at large, fruiting fig trees. Male unmistakable but female somewhat similar to a female bird of paradise, but has a duller brown back. Call, a loud rasping note that sounds rather like a taser.

Stunningly white peaked crest, combined with a thin dark mask and russet-brown body, makes this laughingthrush an otherworldly beauty. Flocks travel through primary forest, second growth, and gardens, giving loud, querulous, and jabbering calls as they forage. Sometimes bursts into a deafening whooping chorus out of nowhere. A common cage bird; feral populations have established themselves in some locations, such as Singapore.

Very small bird of humid tropical forest and edge. Favors vine tangles at mid-upper levels, where moves actively, holding its tail cocked and flopping it from side to side. Appearance is distinctive, with buffy face, very long thin bill, and fairly long tail with white tips. Similar to Long-billed Gnatwren but has three white spots on outer tail feathers and a slower, sometimes multiparted chattering song. Easily overlooked, but vocal.