Timor Stubtail

A huge distinctive honeyeater of high montane forests and shrubbery. Plump shape and almost entirely black with large orange wattles on the head and orange wing feathers which are very obvious in flight. A territorial and fruit-eating species that is very obvious and easy to see. Smoky Honeyeaters have a similar color scheme but are much smaller. Call is a quiet, fairly high-pitch “cheeep!” note that sounds like it should come from a smaller bird. Also, a series of quicker “chip” notes.

A chunky bird with a thick bill, a gray body, a black face, a beady eye, and a white belly and rump that contrast with a black tail. Paler juvenile shows barring on underside. Small groups frequent canopy in open wooded areas, mangroves, and swamp forest. Found only in a restricted range on Sulawesi and satellite islands. Differs from female Pied Cuckooshrike in having a pale eye, and also occupies more open habitats. Frequently gives an excited jangling call, “zrrrirup,” that rapidly ascends and then descends; also gives other chattering and rasping notes.

Shy understory bird of upper humid montane forest in the east slope of the Andes from central-western Argentina to central Bolivia. Prefers thick understory, and more often heard than seen. Often curious and inquisitive, but tends to stay hidden when possible. From similar Streak-fronted Thornbird by reddish cap, spotted underparts, and habitat (Streak-fronted prefers dryer and more open woodland). Song an accelerating then decelerating series of 10-12 “queet!” notes that rise and then fall in pitch.