Gray-cheeked Tit-Babbler

Huge swift with powerful, falcon-like flight. Overall coloration is gray with a paler throat and mottling on the belly, but often looks blackish when seen in flight overhead. A darker, blackish population nests in Luanda, Angola, and wanders widely. Found over a wide variety of habitats, though often in the vicinity of rock outcroppings. Near breeding colonies, gives an exuberant trilled call. Similar in size and shape to Alpine Swift, but separated by the dark rather than white belly. Separated from all other swifts by large size.

Uncommon dark swiftlet. Endemic to a smattering of the Philippines islands, from Luzon to Mindanao to Palawan. Habitat can be helpful in identifying this confusing species; generally favors ridges and slopes in montane and submontane areas above 700-800 meters. Readily confused with significantly larger Ameline Swiftlet, but present species has a more squared-off-looking tail (fork is shallow and often unnoticeable), tends to fly lower and more erratically, and more often forms flocks. Combination of dark rump, unglossed dark back, and medium size separates this species from Gray-rumped Swiftlet, Pygmy Swiftlet, and Ridgetop Swiftlet. Frequently calls while in flight, giving a squeaky chattering twitter.

Exquisite yuhina with an orange head and crest with white ears and throat. Nape is not obviously pale, but the white “trim” to the back edge of the crest is noticeable. Forages in broadleaf forests from lower foothills up to montane areas. Social and often seen in large flocks, occasionally with other species. Vocal; gives a range of calls, including fluid-sounding twitters and a nasal bleating.