Flappet Lark

Typical cryptically-patterned nightjar that is active at dawn, at dusk, and during the night. Found throughout Madagascar in nearly all habitats, including towns and cultivation, though not inside of thick forest. Feeds on insects that it catches on the wing. Beautiful call is given frequently at dawn and dusk: an introductory “tuk” followed by a long, wooden rattle. When perched, distinguished from Collared Nightjar by its lack of a rufous collar; in flight, by the white in the wings. 

Trim songbird with pointed bill, grayish above, pale below. In the Top End of the Northern Territory, back slightly browner; in north Queensland, back more greenish gray. Smaller and more slender than female Golden Whistler. Forages fairly low in dense vegetation such as mangroves, wetter forests, or swampy woodlands. Common song a ringing, two-noted whistle.

Medium-sized, athletically proportioned eagle, with streaked whitish underparts contrasting with dark wings and tail. Juveniles are rufous below, and lack the adult’s broad dark band at the tip of the tail. Found in forests or mountains, sometimes in more open habitats in winter; usually in remote areas. Builds nests on cliffs and ledges, and in caves. Distinctive in flight: note bulging secondaries and narrowness of wing where it meets the body. Usually seen soaring over distant ridgelines, when the shallow “fingers” to its wings are obvious in contrast to the deep fingers of other eagles.