New Ireland Myzomela

Sub-tropical tern; slightly smaller than Common Tern with a lighter and less powerful flight, as well as a longer-billed and shorter-legged profile. In all plumages, note the darker upperparts, including the rump and uppertail. Adults have medium dark gray underparts with a dark underwing trailing edge, similar to the shorter-tailed Whiskered Tern. Note that in different light conditions, Common Tern also shows gray underparts, but Common Tern always has a white tail and rump. Young birds are very similar to Common Tern, but White-cheeked Terns are more strongly marked. Breeds on small islands and coral reefs. Vocalisations similar to Common Tern.

A large, featureless chestnut-brown shrikebill with a slightly gray collar and a bicolored hooked bill. Found in thick scrub, mostly in wooded areas and forest, up to 1200 meters of elevation. Very similar to female Black-throated Shrikebill but smaller, with a much slighter bill. Common call is a three-syllabled whistle, “tee-te-oooo.”

Crossed bill tips give crossbills their name. Only found in pine forests of Scotland, where uncommon and local. As a rule, not safely identified in the field because it looks intermediate between smaller-billed Common (Red) Crossbill and bigger-billed Parrot Crossbill (both of which can occur in same areas). With experience (and computer analysis!), may be identified by voice. Like other crossbills, found in pairs or flocks feeding quietly on pine cones or calling excitedly before taking off in wide-ranging, bounding flight. Male plumage reddish overall; female grayish green overall, with brighter rump.