Black-whiskered Vireo

An entirely black forest weaver with piercing white eyes found in low-elevation and foothill forests, in small groups or with mixed-species flocks, sometimes with other species of weaver. Occasionally forms much larger groups, and will sometimes nest in large single-species or mixed-species colonies. Birds in the western part of the range have a silver nape, but birds in the east are wholly black. Western populations are nearly identical to co-occurring populations of Vieillot’s Weaver, but have a thinner, pointier bill and prefer more forested habitats. Vocalizations include dry chatters and soft mechanical rasps, sometimes given in complex combinations. 

Small, active, brown bird with an indistinct pale eyebrow. Birds in northern Laos have pale creamy-white breasts and wing panels; elsewhere, birds show dark brown wing panels and brownish breasts. Spectacled Fulvetta bears some resemblance to northern Laotian birds but has more prominent streaking on the throat and a warmer brown crown and face. Moves through all levels of forest, but mostly found in understory. Favors scrubby forest edge and clearings. Can be found singly, in pairs, or in flocks, giving short bursts of chittering calls.

Classic, mid-sized rail. Note the brown back, gray head and chest, barred belly, and reddish bill and legs. Found in wetlands ranging from flooded grassland to deep swamps. Especially favors cattail marshes. Fairly reclusive but walks out into the open more often than most rails. Usually detected by call, a loud, accelerating series of notes that descend the scale. Shares a similar color pattern with African Crake, but African Rail has a longer bill and an unspotted back.