Chestnut-tailed Antbird

An entirely blackish short-tailed crow. Has a subtle purplish sheen that is visible in only certain lighting conditions. Juveniles lack purple gloss. Inhabits forest, edge, and plantations in the lowlands and foothills. Singles, pairs, or small groups can be found in the canopy. Recently described from Seram, and perhaps also occurs on Ambon and Buru. Unmistakable, being the only crow on these islands. Gives an odd call for a crow: a nasal, trumpeting “errr.” Gives more crow-like sounds too, but higher-pitched than many sounds of the family, including a high-pitched, guttural “kreh-kreh…”.

Distinctive large shorebird with long legs, enormous yellow eye, heavily streaked underparts. During the day stands or sits under small trees/shrubs, often in small groups. When disturbed will lie down and flatten neck to the ground. At night becomes active and wanders around calling its wonderful eerie wailing cry. In cities like Darwin, Cairns, Brisbane it is relatively common in parks, open grounds, camping grounds. More common across northern Australia.

A streak-breasted oriole with a rather long, lipstick-pink bill. Male is yellow with a glossy black hood and dark wings. Female is olive-green above. Both sexes have dark red eyes. On Borneo absent from the northern parts of the island, where replaced by the very similar Ventriloquial Oriole. Inhabits lowland and hill forests and forest edges, typically moving in the upper levels of the forest. Sometimes found singly, sometimes in pairs or mixed flocks. Song is short but fluidly melodic, often with the last note stretched out. Gives a harsh, jay-like “chew!”.