White-throated Sierra Finch

A large, unstreaked drab canary with facial markings, a white throat, and a yellow-green rump. A pale eyebrow and heavy bill further differentiate it. Pairs and small groups occur in a variety of arid environments including coastal heathland, Karoo, arid grassland, and thorn scrub, where they are resident and nomadic, wandering in flocks after breeding. The species has a typical sweet canary song including some imitations of other species, and the call is a distinctive tri-syllabic “speak-to-me.” The similar Protea Canary differs from White-throated Canary by having a black chin, a pale bill, and two distinctive wingbars visible at close range.

Small songbird with bright yellowish upperparts and white “goggles.” Most subspecies have gray underparts; subspecies “unicus” of Sumbawa and Flores has a yellow belly. Compare with other white-eyes in various parts of their range; note present species combination of dark iris and yellow back. Inhabits a wide range of different wooded habitats across its range, including coastal scrub, mangroves, inland forests, and forest edge. Forages actively in small to medium-sized flocks, sometimes mixing with other species. Can be quite common on small islands. Twittering song is bright but unremarkable. Most frequently given call is a somewhat variable high-pitched, descending “djee.”

Visually striking woodpecker. Has a chestnut head and flight feathers, and is otherwise creamy yellow with a black chest and spots on the wings and back. The male has a red malar patch. Strongly associated with bamboo forests along rivers, where it mainly eats ants. Call is a series of squeaky notes followed by bubbling ones: “kreear klu-klu-klu-klu-klu.”