Buff-throated Saltator

A huge and extremely rare raptor of lowland and montane forests. One of the largest eagles in the world, and the national bird of the Philippines. Dark brown above with pale feather edges, white underparts, a streaked shaggy crest and back of the neck, powerful yellow feet, a very thick silver-gray bill with a black tip, and black around the eye. Unmistakable if seen well perched. In flight, much broader-winged than other raptors. Voice is a descending, whistled “weeuuuu!” repeated at intervals.

Small, creeping bird of highland forest canopy. Chestnut cap, wings, and tail contrast with olive-brown back and gray underparts. At close range, note somewhat decurved bill. Found only in humid highland forests of the tepui region (above 800 m), particularly in areas with heavy growth of mosses and epiphytes. Forages by hitching up large branches and tree trunks, and also creeps along limbs, inspecting bromeliads and bark crevices from which it gleans insect prey. Often encountered with mixed-species flocks. Voice is a long series of high tinkling notes, dropping in pitch and accelerating. No similar species occurs in tepui highlands.

Small, active songbird with long, pale-tipped tail, speckled breast, and pale belly, endemic to the Santa Cruz Islands. Note orangish rump and tail base. Birds on Vanikoro and Utupua are significantly darker than birds elsewhere in range, with dark throats. Frequently cocks and fans tail. Inhabits wooded areas from the coast up into the highlands. Formerly grouped with other closely related species under “Rufous Fantail.”