Black-throated Honeyeater

Small, often rather active little bird of shady forest understory in humid tropical lowlands; often in areas with understory palms. Usually in pairs at middle levels moving with mixed-species flocks that often include Golden-crowned Warbler and Red-crowned Ant-Tanager. Rather drab brownish overall with tawny bushy crest, paler gray face and throat, and piercing pale eye (can be hard to see in the shade). Often gives a twangy, nasal “dwoi-dwoi-dwoi” call and a high, insectlike, whining whistle.

Brown-backed, babbler-like vanga of the forest understory. Male has a black hood, and female a white throat. Endemic to Madagascar, in eastern rainforest at low and middle elevations. Shy and elusive bird that walks along the forest floor and through thick tangles. Song is a long, penetrating whistle given from a low perch. Coloration and habits make it distinctive. 

An easily overlooked gray finch of forest edges and farms, occurring in small groups or with mixed-species flocks, often with other species of nigrita. Males are largely gray above and black below, with dark gray wings and a very pale whitish forehead. Females are largely gray all over with darker wings, a black face mask, and a pale whitish forehead. Both males and females have pale pinkish legs. Occurs with all three other nigrita species, and males can be confused with Gray-headed Nigrita, but note Pale-fronted Nigrita’s lack of spots on the wings and pale forehead. Calls include soft “tew” notes and four descending whistles, “twe-tee-tee-tee.” The song is a longer series of descending whistles.