Spotted Ground-Thrush

Drab little warbler endemic to Socotra. Gray-brown above and pale gray below, sometimes showing a brighter rufous coloration crown. Found in most habitats with trees and bushes, ranging from grassland dotted with shrubs to fairly lush woodland. Often runs on the ground, and sometimes cocks up the tail. Vocalizations include harsh “tek” notes and a fast, high-pitched trill of very dry notes. Within its range, can only be confused with Socotra Cisticola, but easily distinguished by the darker and duller coloration, without streaking on the crown or back.

Desert kingfisher with a strong black eye-line occurring across most of the drier parts of Australia. Note grayish streaked crown (blue/green in similar Sacred Kingfisher). Upper-wing is entirely blue in flight. Seen well, the rusty rump is obvious. Perches on high dead trees or powerlines. Excavates tunnel nests in earth-walls and banks.

A medium-sized thrushlike bird of dense forests and undergrowth. The reddish brown coloration and white spectacles are distinctive. Usually skulks in dense vegetation, but may sing from an exposed perch or forage out in the open during dawn and dusk. Usually observed singly or in pairs. The song is loud, long, and varied, involving mimicry of other birds, whistles, and harsh notes that are often repeated. Introduced to Taiwan, Japan, and the Hawaiian Islands.