Blue-headed Racquet-tail

A candy-red bill, curving white head stripe, and lacey black-and-white striping make this a unique and attractive species. Found only in and around the Yanbaru Forest on Okinawa Island, where it forages on the forest floor, often in pairs or small flocks. Most frequently seen as it crosses roads, trails, and clearings. Gives a variety of different calls, typically given during dusk, dawn, or nighttime hours. All are somewhat terrifying, a medley of shrill yelps, high-pitched squeals, and a laughter-like clattering.

Buffy songbird that often stays hidden among grasses except when singing. Breeds on grassy prairies; winters in similar open habitats farther south. Difficult to spot unless flushed; usually alone or in loose flocks. Generally plain tan without many distinguishing features. Look for plain face with a big, black eye, indistinct streaks on chest, and pink legs. In flight, white outer tail feathers are visible. Does not bob tail like American Pipit. Beautiful display song given from high in the sky; sounds like a cascading waterfall of tiny pebbles. Harsh, squeaky call note is often the best way to detect them as they fly over.

A brightly colored songbird with a bright golden belly and throat, a black hood and chest band, and an olive upperside and wings. Female is dull overall, with brown upperparts, pale belly, off-white throat, and no breast band. Endemic to northern and western Fiji, where mostly inhabits mature forest, but also secondary growth. Song consists of a melodic whistled series, typically concluded with a decisive-sounding “whit!” note. Formerly treated as part of more broadly-defined “Fiji Whistler” alongside White-throated Fiji Whistler.