Canary Flyrobin

A small black-and-white monarch. White below except for black throat and breast. Black above with a large white wing patch and a white cheek. Endemic to Malaita, in the Solomon Islands. Mostly found in primary forest, often in bamboo thickets. Most common calls include high-pitched whistles and harsh scolding notes. Formerly grouped with Solomons Monarch under the technically accurate but (given the prevalence of black-and-white monarchs) rather pointless name of “Black-and-white Monarch.”

Small, sparrow-like bird. Male has mostly black head with large white whisker mark; female is olive-brown on back and pale yellowish below with a dull yellow bill. Found in open marshlands and disturbed habitats with long grass, especially near water; often seen in flocks, feeding on grass seeds. Song is a staccato series of about 10 notes on one pitch. Most similar to Lined Seedeater, but male Lesson’s lacks a white stripe on crown; females of the two species are identical and not safely identified unless accompanied by males. Females are best told from other seedeaters (except Lined) by strong yellowish wash on underparts and relatively small, dull yellow bill.

Very striking cormorant readily identified by white neck. Locally common black-and-white cormorant of colder coastal waters. Often seen perched on inshore rocks and jetties, sometimes with Magellanic Cormorant. Nests colonially on low islands (rarely in lakes inland from coast) and jetties. Plumage varies regionally, with some birds black-faced and others white-faced; the two types breed together locally in the Strait of Magellan. Immature resembles adult but plumage duller overall, brownish above.