White-rumped Cuckooshrike

A small, stocky, pale brown bird with a fairly heavy bill. Unlike other bushlarks, breast streaking is minimal and often only restricted to the sides of the breast, while the wings are not as rust-colored. The pale eyebrow is well marked and typically extends neatly down around the cheeks. There is subtle though considerable geographic variation over the huge range. The overall coloration can vary from dark gray-brown to rich rufous-brown to pale sandy, and the amount and clarity of streaking on the breast also varies. Found in dry, open plains, agricultural areas, open shrubland, and grassland. The song is varied and complex, and includes whistles, trills, buzzes, metallic notes, and sometimes imitations of other bird species. The song can be given from a perch or on the wing. Forages on the ground, where it can be hard to detect until very close; gives a loud chip as it flushes. Similar to Indian Bushlark, but Singing Bushlark has a white outermost tail feather, appears drabber overall, and looks chunkier. Larger-billed but smaller overall than Eurasian and Oriental Skylarks, and averages more darkly streaked on the back.

A small, compact rock-thrush with short legs. The male has a gray back and a diagnostic pearly blue-gray crown. Although some individuals (particularly farther east) have darker crowns, they retain the pale eyebrow, always giving the head a two-toned appearance. The female is differentiated from other rock-thrushes by her squat shape and white throat bordered by dark stipples. Pairs and loose groups inhabit rocky country in arid bushlands, where they perch conspicuously on taller bushes, wires, and poles. The male Sentinel Rock-Thrush has a more upright posture than Short-toed Rock-Thrush, with uniform blue-gray head coloration that extends lower on the breast. The male Cape Rock-Thrush is much larger and has a brown back.

Dull-brown laughingthrush with a dark throat, speckled orange breast, and a thin ochre-orange line curving elegantly over the eye. Dark bill is heavy-looking and somewhat corvid-like. Restricted to the Langbian Plateau in southern Vietnam, where it is unlikely to be confused with any other species. Inhabits foothill and submontane forest, forest edge, and scrubby areas with dense ground cover. Forages low in dense vegetation or on the ground, usually in pairs of flocks. Can be difficult to see as it scratches about furtively. Musical song is quite beautiful and incorporates some mimicry.