Carib Grackle

A very small gregarious species of open habitats including agricultural areas and the edges of marshes; often found in flocks of tens to hundreds. Note the black face and crown, brown wings, and long reddish orange uppertail coverts (concealing black tail) of breeding male. Nonbreeding males and females distinguished from similar Black-winged Bishop by smaller size and bill and told from Yellow-crowned Bishop by buffier coloration and more limited streaking on chest. Song is a rapid jumble of squeaky, twittering, and churring notes. Its calls include a sharp “tsit” and “tzit.”

Strange-looking small bulbul, endemic to Sumatra’s foothill forests (most common at 600-900 meters). Dull brownish above, with brown-and-white-streaked underparts. Facial pattern is unique, with a frosty white throat contrasting strongly with the egg-yolk-yellow patch and exposed dark facial skin behind each eye. Somewhat similar to Cream-striped Bulbul, but note present species’ much weaker crest, facial pattern, and brown belly and vent. Forages at middle and upper levels of forest, mostly in pairs or small groups; gathers at fruiting trees. Vocalizations soft and unremarkable; song is a bright “jrit’jhew”, while calls include a brief dry trill and quiet pipping notes.

A chunky lapwing of the Ethiopian highlands. Note the black cap, white eyebrow, black throat, and coarse spots across the breast. Found in both wet and dry montane habitats, including grassland, moorland, and marsh. Often in flocks, which can be large. In flight, looks similar to other lapwings, but easily separated by details of the head and breast pattern. The call is a rough “shrek,” often repeated.