Short-tailed Akalat

Tiny resident of tall rainforest. Wary and can be difficult to see well; note distinctive sputtering alarm call, tiny size, plain face, and large white (male) or buffy (female) wing spots. Generally found in pairs near treefall gaps and other places with dense understory; does not follow mixed-species flocks. Forages in low vegetation, rarely venturing more than a meter or two above the ground. Song of male is somewhat similar to Common Scale-backed Antbird, but has thinner quality and does not rise in pitch.

Large terrestrial bird with rather long bill, long tail, and strong legs. Brown above, peach-buff below, with grayish head and breast. Inhabits sandstone areas of northern Australia, where it is only likely to be observed on rocks, not in forest. Similarly sized Gray Shrikethrush has shorter tail, lacks warm tones below. Often sings loudly from the top of sandstone towers and rocky cliffs, a rapid, two-note whistle.

Typical nuthatch; small bird with a wedge-shaped head, usually seen clambering around on trees. Gray above and white below, with a thin black line extending from the bill base to the shoulder. Deep rust red on the flanks and red-edged scaling under the tail serve to distinguish this otherwise plain species from similar nuthatches. Active and social, often following mixed flocks. Inhabits both broadleaf and coniferous forests in foothill and submontane areas. Listen for its song, a loud ringing series of trills. Calls include nasal caws, a bright-sounding “pewpewpew,” and high-pitched chittering.