Marañon Sparrow

Brightly-colored and long-tailed inhabitant of foothill and montane forests in Java and Sumatra (1200-2700 meters). Social, often traveling in large flocks in the forest canopy. Male is very similar to other male minivets; note extensive and contiguous red wing panel, deeper red coloration, and solid deep-black throat with no hint of gray. Female is much more distinctive, with her strawberry-red back and face. Gives a hard, metallic trill and a high, whistled “tserrri”, both which a distinctly metallic quality.

A mostly gray-and-buff barred waxbill with a crimson ‘bandit’s’ eye-patch and black tail and rump. A predominantly gray waxbill with buff-washed underparts and fine barring all over the body, as well as a crimson “bandit’s” eye-patch and black tail and rump. Bill is black, but has a red base during the breeding season. Female is darker below than the male, with a duller eye-patch. Juvenile is browner, less barred and has a dark eye-patch. A fairly common resident of riverine scrub, thickets on hillsides, waterside vegetation and agricultural cereal fields; typically forages in pairs and flocks. Calls a nasal “dzeet” often in concert with others, and a loud buzzing. Only waxbill with a red eye-patch on the Arabian Peninsula.

Elegantly long-winged brown lapwing. Breeding adult has clean black cap, bright yellow facial wattles, and a white belly. Non-breeding adults and juveniles are more mottled overall and lack a solid black cap. Note contrasting wing and tail pattern when in flight. Prefers dry open areas, often well away from water. Gives a loud rasping tern-like call and a loud “cheeeee’it” in alarm; generally not as noisy as other lapwings.