Ruddy Ground Dove

Small, dark, crested tit of montane and hilly coniferous forests. Lack of white on the wings (except for large cheek patch) and erect crest separate it from Coal Tit. The namesake rufous nape patch is small and fairly difficult to see. Rufous-vented Tit is extremely similar in appearance, and the two species overlap in the central and western Himalayas, but note present species’ much more extensive black breast. An occasional member of mixed-species flocks in the winter. Calls variable, include a cheery “pi-chew, pi-chew”, bright “chewee, chewee”, and high-pitched, squeaky “cheee”s and “seee”s. Song typically consists of several high-pitched whistles, followed by buzzes, trills, or descending notes.

A barrel-chested snipe with a dark brown back and frosty-pale face and belly. Breeds in far northern bogs and near streams, where it may even winter if water remains open; the only snipe likely to be seen in this kind of habitat in the colder months. Also winters along rocky streams and artificial canals with flowing water. Much darker and more silvery-gray in coloration than other snipe species, which are a paler brown overall. Flies straight and powerfully; does not zigzag in flight like Common Snipe and Pin-tailed Snipe.

The only leafbird within its range with an orange belly. Male is unmistakable with a blue-and-black face pattern, a solid orange belly, and green-and-blue wings. Female is green all over with blue cheeks and less extensive orange on the belly. The female can be confused with female Blue-winged Leafbird, but Orange-bellied has an orange belly and more blue on the face than Blue-winged Leafbird. Often moves about quietly in the upper layers of hilly and montane forests, gleaning insects from branches and foraging at fruiting and flowering trees. Frequently incorporates the songs and calls of other species into its vocalizations.