Kipengere Seedeater

Thrush-sized bird; pale gray overall with black mask. In flight, watch for white patches in the wings. In areas of overlap, compare with other gray shrikes. Inhabits open habitats with scattered vegetation, from open forests to bogs and brushy meadows. Often seen on prominent perches, including power lines and short treetops, that offer perfect vantages for from which to spot prey. Carnivorous habits make shrikes unique among passerines, feeding on rodents and small birds. Vocalizations include bright short liquid trills and “gargling” phrases, often strung together into a repetitive song.

A spectacular dark pheasant of tropical lowland and lower montane rainforests. Male is glossy blue-black with a tufted crest and female is warm chocolate brown. Note the electric blue facial skin and whitish legs. Similar to Bulwer’s Pheasant but male Bornean Crested has bright orange belly and yellowish tail; female has pale-edged feathers on the underparts. Forages singly or in small groups on the forest floor. Shy but has become habituated in some places. Gives guttural “chuckit!” or soft ”weep” calls. Males also give a wing-whirring display.

A brightly colored songbird with a bright golden belly and throat, a black hood and chest band, and an olive upperside and wings. Female is dull overall, with brown upperparts, pale belly, off-white throat, and no breast band. Endemic to northern and western Fiji, where mostly inhabits mature forest, but also secondary growth. Song consists of a melodic whistled series, typically concluded with a decisive-sounding “whit!” note. Formerly treated as part of more broadly-defined “Fiji Whistler” alongside White-throated Fiji Whistler.