Smoky-fronted Tody-Flycatcher

A plump flycatcher with brown upperparts, whitish underparts, and warm brown flanks. Note the pale feet and the large, bicolored bill with a hooked tip. Restricted to the forests of the Nicobar Islands, where it makes sallies for insects from low perches. Song said to be a rapid series of loud, melodic whistles ending with a soft, short “trrr.”

A medium-sized songbird endemic to New Zealand, confined to predator-free offshore islands and South Island mainland sanctuaries. Glossy black plumage with distinct chestnut saddle across the back, which gives the bird its name. Note the bright reddish-orange wattles on either side of the bill. Juveniles have smaller wattles and are chocolate brown for their first year. Listen for distinct calls resembling a blaring “cheeet ta-chet ta-chet ta-chet” sound. Constantly moves noisily as it restlessly forages on the floor and through the canopy. Flicks over leaves and digs into rotting logs with its strong bill in search of invertebrates. Distinguished from Eurasian Blackbird by chestnut saddle and wattles.

Very small finchlike bird with a short bill. Inhabits savannas and grasslands, where it often joins flocks of other seedeater species. Males are mostly gray-brown with a hint of cinnamon and have a black cap, wings and tail. Females are brown above and pale below, and are very similar to female Copper Seedeaters, but are grayer than that species.