Black-faced Sheathbill

Large jay with piercing yellow eyes and stiff forehead feathers. Note the blue patches above and below the eyes, contrasting with the black face. Favors scrubby areas and savanna, but also found in riparian forest and second growth, where usually seen in small noisy groups. Vast vocal repertoire includes a frequently-given melodic and metallic call “chyup-chyup." The similar Plush-crested Jay has a blue nape and a larger crest.

Fancy-looking “chicken” endemic to Java and the Lesser Sundas, from Bali east to Alor. Also introduced to the Cocos Islands. Dark, iridescent male is distinctive, with dark-centered orange and yellow feathers on the back and wings. Also note his bright blue-and pink comb and large red wattle. Female is dull brown with dark spotting, and also has a blackish tail and pale pinkish face; compare with female Red Junglefowl, which is warmer-colored overall, with more orangeish tones. Inhabits open forests, forest edges, and scrub from lowlands into foothills. Scratches about on the ground singly, or in small groups. Gives an incredibly hoarse crow: “krewwarewwah!”

Distinctive dabbling duck: combination of very large, slightly shovel-shaped black bill and and pale blue forewing patches (brighter on male) identify all plumages. Male has a pale gray head with pale yellow eyes and a “red” body with black spots. Female is mottled brown overall, but note white sides to pointed tail, big black bill. Fairly common in wetlands and at lakes, river mouths, and sewage lagoons. Unlike many dabbling ducks, often rather quiet.