Red Bird-of-Paradise

A distinctive red finchlike bird found in woodlands, forest edges, shrubby areas, urban parks, and gardens. Males are mostly dark red with a cinnamon back, and a black crown with a bright red center. Females lack the crest and are mostly dark brown with a cinnamon breast and rump. Both sexes have white eyerings. The song is a series of two alternating whistles.

Shy, skulky, frustratingly difficult to see, and not much to look at if seen well. A species of foothill and submontane open forest and forest edge, usually tucked well away in dense, tangled undergrowth. Brown overall with a pale, faintly streaked throat. East Indian subspecies has a white belly, while others are unmarked brown all over. Very similar to Buff-breasted Babbler, which has a clean, unstriped pale throat and is more slender in its build. Spot-throated’s song is musical and variable, usually incorporating clear whistles, lower chirrs and chatters, and imitations of other species. Calls are usually composed of low chattering or clicking notes.

A big, bulky, long-tailed black weaver. The bill is white in males and black in females. There is a white patch on the front edge of the shoulder, and also a pale patch in the wing that can be conspicuous in flight. Immatures are dark brown with heavy streaking below. Found in dry savanna and woodland, often in flocks. Builds huge communal stick nests. Similar to Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver, but never shows a red bill. The common call is a harsh “sjet” that is often given repeatedly by a whole group in chorus.