White-throated Bee-eater

A small brown owl confined to New Britain with a dark brown head, prominent white eyebrows and throat patch, and orange-yellow eyes. Broad brown chest band contrasts with pale mottled whitish underparts. Upperparts and wings dark chocolate brown with scattered white markings. Occurs in forest and in modified patches and clearings, in the lowlands and foothills. Distinctive: the only small brown owl on New Britain. Song is a distinctive, incessant series of “whoo” notes, rising in volume toward the end.

Pale gray bird with an extremely long tail. Note the red bill, red bare facial skin, and glossy blue patch on the back of the head. Main habitat is arid savanna, though also found locally in moister brush and woodland habitats. Always found in groups of five to dozens of birds. The call, frequently given in flight, is a long, mournful “treeeeuw.” Very similar to Red-faced Mousebird, but separated by blue nape and gray rather than buff underparts.

Fairly large yellow-bellied flycatcher; common and widespread in western North America. Rather pale gray head with weakly contrasting whitish throat and breast, and lemon-yellow belly. Also look for black tail with white edges (but this can be difficult to see, especially when worn). Found in open habitats with tall shrubs and trees, often perched up conspicuously on a telephone wire or fence post. Compare especially with Cassin’s Kingbird, which is darker and more contrasting on the head. Winters in large numbers south to Costa Rica, often gathering in large loose groups during migration.